Counselling means different things to different people. The word is used to describe anything from a cup of tea and a chat with a friend, to seeing a psychotherapist three times a week.
There are many times in our lives when we all really feel we need someone to listen to us. This is basically what counselling is - someone to listen to you. Being heard properly can be really important if you have cancer. You're probably finding it difficult to deal with the diagnosis. And you may be feeling a bit lost amongst all the treatments and doctors' appointments.
Most people feel very shocked when they are told they have cancer. It can turn your life 'upside down'. Things you can normally cope with, such as going to work, shopping, looking after the kids and socialising, may become more difficult, and have less meaning for you. Your intimate relationships might change because of changes in how you look and the way you feel about yourself. The stress you're under may mean you can't show the love and attention you want to your partner or children.
There are many times in our lives when we all really feel we need someone to listen to us. This is basically what counselling is - someone to listen to you. Being heard properly can be really important if you have cancer. You're probably finding it difficult to deal with the diagnosis. And you may be feeling a bit lost amongst all the treatments and doctors' appointments.
Most people feel very shocked when they are told they have cancer. It can turn your life 'upside down'. Things you can normally cope with, such as going to work, shopping, looking after the kids and socialising, may become more difficult, and have less meaning for you. Your intimate relationships might change because of changes in how you look and the way you feel about yourself. The stress you're under may mean you can't show the love and attention you want to your partner or children.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What is Counselling?
You may want to continue with life as normal, but feel frustrated that you can't. Many people with cancer have confusing and upsetting feelings such as anger and sadness. And feeling that you're not in control of your life at this time can be very upsetting.
It's not uncommon to worry that your cancer could come back again after your treatment has finished. Or you may fear you are going to die. All of these feelings are very real and frightening. There's only so much your mind can process at one time, so these feelings can become overwhelming.
But bottling feelings up can become very draining and make living your life very difficult. Counselling gives you an opportunity to explore your feelings and express them in a safe place. A counsellor can help you to find a way to make things less difficult to deal with.
If you're a relative of someone with cancer, you could probably do with spending a bit of time thinking about yourself in the midst of everything else. You are bound to have feelings of your own which you don't want to burden your sick loved one with. And being able to express your feelings may help you to support your relative more effectively.
It's not uncommon to worry that your cancer could come back again after your treatment has finished. Or you may fear you are going to die. All of these feelings are very real and frightening. There's only so much your mind can process at one time, so these feelings can become overwhelming.
But bottling feelings up can become very draining and make living your life very difficult. Counselling gives you an opportunity to explore your feelings and express them in a safe place. A counsellor can help you to find a way to make things less difficult to deal with.
If you're a relative of someone with cancer, you could probably do with spending a bit of time thinking about yourself in the midst of everything else. You are bound to have feelings of your own which you don't want to burden your sick loved one with. And being able to express your feelings may help you to support your relative more effectively.
