Why see a diabetes psychologist?
A diabetes psychologist can help because…
Living with diabetes is tough.
No matter how much effort and thought you put into your diabetes, things can go pear shaped. At these times you may feel despondent and hopeless, and resentful of the demands and constrictions that diabetes places on your life. It can feel like diabetes dominates your life, to the point of not having space for anything else. The worry can be overwhelming.
A diabetes psychologist specialises in seeing people with diabetes. They bring a unique understanding of the myriad impacts that diabetes can have on your wellbeing, and provide support and specific advice on how to deal with them practically and emotionally. As a member of your team of health professionals, they will assist you to manage your diabetes to give you the best quality of life possible.
Sarah Lam, diabetes psychologist
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Sarah Lam can help you manage your diabetes in a way that is positive and empowering. She worked for more than 10 years at the Diabetes Education Centre at the Royal North Shore hospital, Sydney – an experience that has given her a high level of insight into the issues that can arise and how to resolve them.
Your psychological wellbeing is vital to living a full life. Sarah has the experience and dedication to help you cope with any difficulties that managing your diabetes may bring. She can assist you to keep your life on track – just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t have a full life!
Diabetes counselling
Many diabetes related issues can be assisted or even resolved with counselling from a specialist diabetes psychologist. For example, you may benefit from talking to a trained professional if you would like help with:
- Diabetes Burnout
- Managing depression or anxiety
- Finding life balance
- Getting into better routines
- Becoming more mindful
- Coping with a new diagnosis
- Coping with diabetes complications
- Unhelpful eating patterns
- Stress management
- Specific fear (eg., hypoglycaemia, needles, etc)
Sarah sees people with diabetes in Sydney individually, and also runs groups (link). Video appointments for people out of Sydney are also available.
No referral is needed unless you would like to be referred under a medicare plan.