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Feeling overwhelmed by diabetes?
LISTEN can help.
LISTEN is a free, evidence-based program that helps you build practical skills to manage diabetes-related stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.
What is LISTEN?
LISTEN (Low Intensity Support To ENhance emotional wellbeing) is a brief, one-on-one program that helps adults with diabetes manage everyday challenges by reducing diabetes-related distress and strengthening coping skills.
Developed by the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), LISTEN uses Problem-Solving Therapy – a practical, structured approach delivered by a qualified diabetes health professional.
Access up to four sessions, lasting 45–60 minutes each
Delivered via phone or video call by a credentialled diabetes educator
You choose the challenge to focus on and set your own goals
Provides diabetes-specific emotional and problem-solving support
Improve emotional wellbeing
Reduce diabetes-related stress and feel more in control.
Build confidence
Strengthen coping skills for daily diabetes challenges.
Learn practical tools
Problem-solving skills you can use every day.
Who is LISTEN for?
LISTEN is available to adults across Western Australia living with type 1, type 2, and other types of diabetes including LADA, MODY, and type 3C.
For people living with diabetes
LISTEN may be right for you if you’re experiencing:
- Burnout, stress or feeling overwhelmed by diabetes
- Difficulty staying motivated with daily management
- Challenges with glucose monitoring, diet, or medication routines
- Concerns about complications or relationship impacts
For health professionals
LISTEN can support your patients as an early intervention option:
- A structured distress-support pathway before psychology referral
- Suitable for patients showing signs of diabetes-related distress
- Complements existing diabetes education programs that focus on the clinical aspects of diabetes management
- Refer via the Patient Referral Form or ask patients to complete the below screening survey. You can also contact us directly.
How does LISTEN work?
Together with a health professional, you’ll work through a structured six-step problem-solving process.
1.
Define the problem
Identify the diabetes challenge that matters most to you right now.
2.
Set an achievable goal
Establish a realistic, meaningful goal you want to work towards.
3.
Brainstorm solutions
Explore different options and possibilities with your health professional.
4.
Choose a solution
Select the approach that feels right for your situation.
5.
Create an action plan
Map out practical steps to put your chosen solution into action.
6.
Evaluate the outcome
Review progress and adjust your approach as needed.
See if LISTEN is right for you
Complete a short online survey so we can check LISTEN is the right fit — and if it’s not, we’ll help connect you with other support.
Questions? Call our FREE diabetes helpline on 1300 001 880
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"The LISTEN Program helped me single out what was most important, break it down into smaller achievable steps, and actually take action."
— Phoebe, 51, type 1 diabetes*
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply complete the online screening questionnaire to check the LISTEN program is right for you, and our team will reach out to go through the next steps. For more information ask your diabetes health professional about LISTEN or contact Diabetes WA directly on our free helpline 1300 001 880.
LISTEN sessions are primarily delivered via phone or video call. Check with your LISTEN facilitator to see if face-to-face is an option for you.
LISTEN focuses specifically on building your problem-solving skills to manage diabetes-related stress and emotional challenges. You choose the problem, set your own goal, and work with your health professional to find solutions that work for you.
No. The only changes you’ll make are ones that you choose to make. LISTEN is entirely participant-led.
You can stop at any time. Your facilitator can suggest other support options, such as an appointment with your GP or diabetes health professional.
Think about what feels most difficult or stressful about living with diabetes right now, what you’d like to be different or easier, and what you hope to gain from LISTEN.
Anything related to your diabetes management that is important for you. This might include: glucose monitoring, diet, meal planning, insulin management, physical activity, concerns about complications, relationship challenges.