We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Tour de Cure in 2023-24, whose funding made a significant impact on our Cancer Counselling Service. Their contribution enabled the addition of an extra 0.5 FTE counsellor, allowing us to deliver over 400 additional counselling sessions and provide timely, personalised support to more South Australians affected by cancer. Thanks to this support, wait times were reduced, access for regional and remote communities increased, and our team was able to offer flexible, high-quality care across phone, online and in-person appointments. We extend our sincere thanks to Tour de Cure for helping ensure more people received the emotional and psychological support they need, when they need it most.
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:
- feeling anxious about test, procedures or treatment
- 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 is a safe and private space to talk about your feelings, worries and experiences. It can help support your confidence and improve your communication and relationships with others.
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 treatment and recovery, and bereavement support when needed.
When in my cancer experience might counselling be useful?
Everyone is different, 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 qualified health professionals on 13 11 20 to find out peer support options.
- Visit SA Health to find out how you can access mental health help now.
