Our professional counsellors understand the challenges that come with a cancer experience. They can help you manage stress, set small goals and work towards them, and talk more easily with your family and friends about your worries.
Cancer Council SA’s team of counsellors are trained professionals who are eligible for membership of either the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
You can speak to our counsellors in person or over the phone at any stage of your cancer experience.
Why should I see a cancer counsellor?
It is only natural to experience strong emotions when your life is impacted by cancer – not only when you first find out about a cancer diagnosis, but also at various times during and after treatment.
Counselling allows you to identify, understand and express your emotions, motivations, life choices and behaviours in a safe, objective and confidential environment. It can help with self-esteem, communication and relationships.
Our counsellors can support you in navigating a range of challenges surrounding a cancer diagnosis including:
- anxiety around treatment, surgeries and scans
- relationship changes under the stress of a cancer experience
- managing symptoms like fatigue and low motivation
- coping with fear of cancer coming back after treatment
- strategies to handle uncertainty, overwhelm and grief.
It can be reassuring to know that your reactions are natural and valid, are shared by others, and that there are different ways to manage the emotional impact of cancer.
Counselling allows you to explore ways of resolving negative thoughts and feelings that adversely impact your health and day-to-day life.
Watch our short video to learn more about how our counselling service can help:
Who is able to access Cancer Council SA’s counselling service?
We are here to support anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis including partners, carers, family members and friends.
As a support person, it’s important to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing, as this helps you better care for your loved one.
We can also provide support during every stage of the cancer experience, from diagnosis through to survival and bereavement support.
When in my cancer experience might counselling be useful?
Everyone is difference, and you need to deal with the diagnosis in your own way. You might find that you cope better than expected with some aspects of the cancer experience, while others are more challenging than you anticipated.
You can access Cancer Council SA’s counselling service at any stage of your experience with cancer:
- Diagnosis: This is often an overwhelming time when you are still processing what is happening.
- Treatment decisions: It’s common to feel confused and anxious about treatments, side effects and how your life will change.
- During treatment: Treatment can be physically demanding and disrupt your usual routine. It may be challenging juggling treatment with other concerns such as work, family and finances.
- Treatment side effects: Side effects can make it harder to cope emotionally, and emotional distress may in turn worsen your physical symptoms.
- After treatment: This can be a time of adjustment as you reassess your priorities and come to terms with any long-term impacts. It is common to feel concerned about the cancer coming back, especially any time you have follow-up tests.
- Advanced cancer: It can be devastating to be told that the cancer is advanced or has returned after initial treatment.
- Grief and loss: You may experience grief related to changes in your health, roles, or independence, or the loss of loved ones.
How are Cancer Council SA counselling appointments delivered?
No matter where you live, you can receive support from a Cancer Council SA counsellor. You can access our counselling services:
- Face-to-face at 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood
- Telehealth appointment via video call or telephone.
Other mental health support for people impacted by cancer
If you need mental health support to cope with a cancer diagnosis, and Cancer Council SA’s counselling service isn’t for you, ask your doctor for suggestions – as you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for some psychological services.
Other mental health support options:
- Visit the Australian Psychological Society to find a practitioner in your area.
- Online self-help programs or smartphone apps can help you track how you’re feeling and most are free to download. Try Finding My Way, moodgym or MindSpot.
- Talk to your specialist or treatment team as you may be able to access psychological support through your treatment centre.
- Talk to someone else who has shared a similar experience with cancer – over the phone, face-to-face or online. Call our cancer nurses on 13 11 20 to find out peer support options.
- Visit SA Health to find out how you can access mental health help now.
