Living with HIV Counselling Support – AIDS/HIV has been a huge taboo. People living with this have been discriminated against, experience unacceptable prejudice and intimidation. There are many myths about AIDS/HIV and as a counsellor I can help you, your loved ones, family and friends to work through the difficulties you endure.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a collection of illnesses (‘syndrome’) caused by a virus people pick up (‘acquire’) that makes their immune system weak (‘immune deficiency’). You can’t get an AIDS diagnosis unless you’re already HIV positive….Now, thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, very few people in the UK develop serious HIV-related illnesses. The term AIDS isn’t used much by UK doctors. Instead they talk about late-stage or advanced HIV.

The Terrence Higgins Trust is one of the main UK charities providing support and guidance around HIV. It clearly explains everything you might want to know from being tested, to being diagnosed, to living with HIV and telling other people. Their website is an invaluable source of information and resources. It will also tell you where you can get a test and you can also order one on line from them. The Terrence Higgins Trust Website also gives guidence and information about living with HIV and COVID. 

Research shows that people who have been diagnosed with HIV are more likely to become depressed, suffer with anxiety and low self confidence. If you want to talk to someone in confidence about what you are going through or perhaps you are the family member, partner or friend of someone who has been diagnosed are struggling please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please Call me on 07843 813537. Please leave a message if I can’t answer your call and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. If you have any other questions or enquiries please call or send me a message by completing the online enquiry form. Due to COVID I am currently working exclusively online or on the telephone.