Counselling

Counselling***

Strapline

Counselling therapy may be a much needed source of support for you.  Find out where you can access help.

Headline/overview

Counselling means talking to a trained person and exploring problems or issues in a safe and supportive environment.  It can be a great source of support, strength and help when you need it the most.

Approval score:

We gave this our maximum approval score of 3 stars.

How does this work?

There are many different therapies and they generally fall into three areas. These are

· Behavioural therapies, which focus on thoughts and behaviours, such as cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT)

· Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies, which focus on unconscious relationship patterns that evolved from childhood

· Humanistic therapies, which focus on looking at the here and now

Whether you choose to see a counsellor or a psychotherapist, it is very important to choose a person you feel comfortable with. It is also helpful to have a little knowledge about the different types of counselling and psychotherapy.  Cancer Research UK has some helpful information on the different types of therapies available.

What are the benefits?

Having someone to speak to, outside your circle of family and friends, can be a much needed source of support. Speaking to a counsellor or psychologist can help you explore confusing or upsetting emotions.
Group therapy or self-help groups, also give you the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings. They can also be a good way of finding out how other people affected by cancer coped with their situations.

What is the evidence?

There is no evidence to suggest that having counselling will help treat or cure your cancer. Nor is there any convincing evidence that it will help prolong your life. But there is a lot of evidence that counselling can help you to cope better with the many difficulties you face, during and after your cancer diagnosis and treatment. It can help reduce the stress you face and improve your quality of life.

Who would this be good for?

Counselling therapies would be good for most patients.  You may be finding it difficult to deal with your diagnosis. And you may be feeling a bit lost amongst all the treatments and hospital appointments.  Cancer can turn your life upside down.  Things you can normally cope with, such as going to work, shopping, looking after children and socialising, may become more difficult.

What do I need to do?

It is important that you see a counsellor or a psychotherapist who has done appropriate training and has accreditation by an appropriate organisation.  Some other professionals (e.g. GPs, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) may have been trained in counselling as well, but its’ important to check out counselling accreditation and qualifications.

Cancer Research UK contains useful information on how to find a counsellor, including costs and relevant qualifications and accreditations.

Usually, you see a counsellor for an hour at a regular time every week. You may have a weekly session for a set period of time (often 6 or 8 weeks). Or you might have sessions for as long as you and your counsellor agree that you need them. Your counsellor will try to:

·      Listen properly to what you are saying

·      Not interrupt you

·      Help you sort out and untangle your feelings and worries

·      Give you some insight into how you really think and feel

·      Help you express your emotions in your own way

·      Help you work out your own solutions to problems

·      Help you accept what cannot be changed

·      Help and support you while you do all this

Setting goals and monitoring your progress

Depending on whether you are using an online resource, app, or have decided to book appointments with a therapist, write down your goals in your PLanBe.

Record your progress and how you feel week by week.

Summary

• Counselling could be a great source of help for you.
• You need to ensure that you find a qualified counsellor or therapist.
• Keep track of your thoughts and feelings in your PlanBe diary.

Resources

The Christie Foundation Trust has its own complementary therapy service.  Download their booklet on local resources here.

Greater Manchester also offers a list of eTherapy services.

There are many apps and resources you can use to help yourself.  Here are just a few:

·      NHS Mood Self-Assessment

·      Beating the Blues for Depression and Anxiety

·      Living Life to the Full

·      Sleep

Mindfulness:

·      Headspace

·      Breathworks Mindfulness

·      FranticWorld