Virtual therapeutic support groups

These groups are for adults related to people living with a muscle wasting condition.

We partner with Louise Halling (professional counsellor and psychotherapist) and Julie Oates (psychotherapist) to run various groups similar to facilitated peer support. These sessions offer a confidential, supportive space to foster emotional discussions and build connections.

After registering, we’ll schedule an online assessment to discuss your needs and confirm the group’s suitability. Spaces are limited, and a waiting list may apply. Groups are subject to change. You can find out which groups are currently available in the drop-down menu below.

Virtual therapeutic support groups

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Title

First name*

Last name*

Gender*

Date of birth*

Email*

Contact number*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City ZIP / Postal Code

Type of muscle wasting or weakening condition your loved one has

Please select the virtual therapeutic support group you would like to attend.*

Stay connected with our community

We will never share your details with anyone. We will only contact you in the ways that you wish, making use of the information you’ve told us (including your muscle-wasting condition) and publicly available information. We want to make sure what we communicate with you is relevant to your interests. Our privacy policy is available on our website or by phoning 0300 012 0172.

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Louise Halling

Counsellor and Psychotherapist

I’m Louise: a mum; wife; friend; disabled person (living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy/MD); counsellor/psychotherapist; artist; intermittent radio voice (including BBC Radio 4/Sounds ‘Walks like a duck’ series); facilitator of therapeutic support groups for MDUK; accidental activist; occasional speaker in ‘inclusion and diversity’ spaces; and lover of water and books. 

As someone living with MD and working in the area of mental health, I have been given a unique perspective into the ways that this condition – and its many associated losses – can affect the emotional health of patients and their close family members. Having had the privilege of working on a one-to-one basis with many clients living with MD (and with the carers of people who do), I am growing in my understanding of the complex ‘dance’ between physical and mental health that many of us are trying to learn the steps to. 

Julie Oates

Psychotherapist

Hi, I’m Julie – approaching 60, I have worked with families all my working life – firstly as a paediatric nurse, in schools, youth offending services, child and adolescent mental health services, and then as a systemic psychotherapist (family therapist for short!). I love thinking with people about relationships, and how change happens in families when just one person decides they will do something different. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with MDUK, considering with families the impact of the diagnosis on family dynamics and relationships through the Therapeutic Support Group programme.

Personally, I am currently supporting family members with mental health challenges, and friends who have experienced significant losses. I am particularly concerned about how poverty impacts on families’ lives, and I contribute to local conversations about diversity and inclusion. I challenge myself to swim in cold water throughout the year, and walk alongside friends with different abilities as we explore our local environment.