Springfield Surgery is excited to launch a new service for registered patients. There are times in our lives when we want to explore some of the big questions of life – questions about meaning, purpose, hope and forgiveness. Sometimes we need someone to listen to our story. Here is an opportunity to sit down, breathe and think about life in a safe and confidential space with Sue Houghton, a retired GP and person of faith.
Is it counselling? This service is different to counselling. Counselling is primarily aimed at people with mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. This service is seeking to provide spiritual care, which recognises and responds to the needs of the human spirit when faced with trauma, ill health or sadness.
But I’m not religious. This service is open to people of no faith and those who have a faith of some sort. This may include those with align themselves with a particular religion. Spiritual needs are universal but uniquely expressed and encompass the deepest human needs for meaning, joy and hope.
Will you try to make me religious? Certainly not. Our aim is to give space to explore your own questions and to listen and facilitate you to do this. Some may wish to explore specific faiths and we can signpost. Some may wish to pray and we can support with this. We are not seeking to convert anyone to a particular viewpoint or world view.
What has this got to do with NHS healthcare? It is recognised that health comprises physical, social, psychological and spiritual health. We recognise that sometimes questions about meaning, hope and deepest needs are a significant part of ill health. We hope that allowing time to explore these issues will improve health for our community.
How can I access Breathe- time to think about life? If you think this service might be helpful for you, please speak to a GP, a member of the surgery team or submit an online consultation request and we will be in touch. Sue will be available on Wednesday afternoons for a virtual appointment which she will arrange directly with you.
