For three days each week, a clinical psychologist provides input into our Cystic Fibrosis service. 

Why is psychology an important part of our Cystic Fibrosis service?

Cystic Fibrosis can be a challenging condition to live with. It usually means taking lots of different treatments to stay well, and this can be really time-consuming and hard work. Even then, it is possible to become unwell and this can be demoralising and frustrating.

CF, and other physical health problems associated with CF, can also present challenges to other aspects of life like relationships, life transitions, education, employment, finance, and leisure. This can have a huge impact on someone's mental wellbeing. It can be helpful for people with CF to talk these issues through with a psychologist if they start to struggle. This can help them find new solutions to problems, improve relationships, or learn new ways of coping with overwhelming feelings.

How can a clinical psychologist help?

Both short-term and long-term therapy is provided. This will initially involve an assessment to determine what the patient hopes the gain from the psychological work and which type of therapy would be most helpful. Types of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT)
• Dialectal behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Compassion focussed therapy (CTF) and trauma work