A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and living with cancer and its treatment is really challenging.
It is estimated that one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives. Despite this statistic, a cancer diagnosis is often unexpected, shocking and traumatic. It is a life-changing event that can make the future feel very uncertain.
Counselling helps at any stage in your cancer experience
People come to us for support at different stages in their cancer journey.
Some contact us at the point of the cancer diagnosis, either their own or a loved one’s. This can be a very unsettling time with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty.
Others seek counselling after undergoing successful cancer treatment. Many cancer survivors find that successful treatment leaves them with physical or psychological challenges that are difficult to overcome. They may be dealing with loss of a body part, a changing sense of identity, or anxiety about the future.
Some clients come to us following cancer treatment where cancer is now in remission but has not been cured. Living with cancer as a constant companion takes some adjustment.
Others approach counselling only once cancer treatment options have been exhausted and they find themselves facing the end of life.
How cancer counselling helps
Cancer counselling is often about loss: loss of health, strength, autonomy, identity and security. People experiencing cancer often talk about feeling isolated and powerless. Cancer can also evoke feelings of apprehension, anxiety, anger, guilt and sadness. Cancer treatments, as well as the disease itself, can pose various challenges to personal and intimate relationships.
All this is a lot to deal with. It can be hard to get the support you need from friends and family. Many people don’t want to burden loved ones who are going through a lot. Friends may feel awkward discussing cancer and may try to cheer you up or change the subject rather than hear your pain.
Counselling can provide invaluable support. It is a place where you can talk about whatever you need to talk about, safe in the knowledge that your counsellor can take it and won’t judge you.
Many of our therapists know about cancer, cancer treatments and the emotional and psychological effects brought on by cancer diagnosis and treatment. Please feel free to get in touch. Don’t go through cancer alone.
Can therapy help?
Counselling works in a number of ways. One of these is simply that getting things off our chests usually makes us feel better. Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their problems to family or friends. They don’t want to burden them, or perhaps what they want to talk about is too private.
Having someone whose role is to listen without judgement in a safe, confidential setting can be really precious.
Meet our therapists working with cancer-related issues
