The Brain Charity

Helen, 68, who lives near Birmingham, is a mum of five who had her world turned upside down after experiencing a stroke in November 2024. 

Since her stroke, Helen has been living with a number of neurological symptoms – including speech difficulties, developed dyspraxia and emotionalism, which causes her to cry or laugh unexpectedly and uncontrollably. 

She said: “I thought I was going mad following my stroke; my emotions were out of control. 

“I booked three sessions with a Brain Charity counsellor, who is like a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world. 

“If only I had a million pounds, I’d give it to The Brain Charity right away. Thank you for being so great.” 

Finding support that truly understands 

After her stroke, Helen’s husband contacted the Stroke Association to ask what support was available. They sent over a list of resources, and The Brain Charity’s counselling stood out. Helen undertook our paid for counselling service and found it to be beneficial in ways that other therapy sources had been lacking. 

Helen had previously tried counselling through her GP but felt the therapist didn’t understand the difference between depression and the grief she was feeling for the life she had lost. 

Helen said: “The Brain Charity’s counsellor was so understanding and empathetic. I only saw her twice but think of her as a dear person. She helped me realise I wasn’t depressed – I was grieving for who I was before the stroke. That understanding made such a difference to me.” 

Unique, vital and badly needed 

Helen believes specialist counselling for those living with neurological conditions is a unique and vital service that should be made more widely available. 

Our specialist Neuro Psychotherapy is provided by licensed therapists with experience providing mental health support to those affected by a neurological condition. These professionals are specialists, uniquely experienced in supporting individuals living with Neurological conditions.  

Our team offers a range of psychotherapy types, including CBT, person-centred and integrated.

She said: “It’s so hard to find help that really understands what you’re going through. I think it’s a real shame this type of counselling isn’t easier to access. 

“If more people with neurological conditions had access to support like this, it would change lives.” 

Helen’s passion for access to the right kind of support is deeply rooted in her personal experience. 

Her son suffered a severe brain injury as a young man, and she said she wishes she’d known about The Brain Charity back then. 

Looking ahead with The Brain Charity’s help 

Helen says she is now interested in exploring The Brain Charity’s other services. Living so far away from Liverpool, she can’t attend the Neuro Gym but is keen to find exercises she can do from home to rebuild strength and confidence. 

She also intends to reach out to the charity’s Information & Advice service to get help with her daughter’s PIP application. 

She said: “Every time I reach out to The Brain Charity, they’re there. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for me and my family.” 

Sharing her story to help others 

Helen continues to tell everyone she meets who’s had a stroke about The Brain Charity. 

She said, “I wish I could do more for them. But I tell everyone—you need to speak to them. Counselling changed everything for me. 

“Everyone who’s had a stroke should be offered something like this.”