Why see a diabetes psychologist?
A diabetes psychologist can help because…
Living with diabetes can be tough.
No matter how much effort and thought you put into your diabetes management, sometimes things go pear-shaped. Consequently, at these times you may feel despondent, hopeless, worried, and resentful of the demands and constraints that diabetes places on your life. So it can feel like diabetes dominates your life, and there is no space for anything else.
This is where a diabetes psychologist can help, because they specialise in helping people with diabetes to make changes. They bring a unique understanding of the impact that diabetes can have on your wellbeing. As a result, they can help you learn skills to live a fulfilling life, reducing your struggle with diabetes. 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, where she was Senior Clinical Psychologist. She now works as Senior Clinical Psychologist in a hospital diabetes centre in Sydney. She has 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, and Sarah Lam 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!
Sarah has also been lead clinical psychologist in a multidisciplinary metabolic clinic. She is able to work with people on issues related to weight. She understands the many psychological factors that can affect weight and how to change habits in a sustainable way.
Counselling with a diabetes psychologist
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 Sarah Lam if you would like help with:
- Diabetes Distress or Burnout
- Managing depression or anxiety
- Finding life balance
- Getting into better routines
- Learning mindfulness
- Building psychological flexibility
- Coping with a new diagnosis
- Unhelpful eating patterns
- Stress management
- Specific fear (eg., hypoglycaemia, needles, etc)
- Coping with diabetes complications
- Practicing Self-Compassion
Sarah Lam, Diabetes Psychologist, is not available for new clients at present.
She is available for speaking engagements and for clinical supervision.
