What is it?
Talking with a counsellor or psychologist can help you identify goals you would like to achieve, develop ways to deal with difficult situations or relationships in your life, and look at how to manage your feelings. Counselling allows you to explore ways of resolving negative thoughts and feelings that may affect your health and day-to-day life.
Why use it
Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment to learn new coping skills. It can strengthen your ability to deal with challenges, and help you learn new ways of looking at your life choices and behaviours. Some people find it easier to express their emotions to a counsellor than with someone they know. You can talk about thoughts and feelings that you might not feel comfortable sharing with your family and friends.
Counselling may also give you strategies to manage fear of the cancer coming back (recurrence). This can be helpful after treatment ends.
What to expect
Sessions may be face-to-face, over the phone or online. There are different types including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), grief therapy, life coaching, acceptance and commitment therapy, and person-centred therapy. Ask the therapist about their approach to see if it suits you. Counselling can be for you, or for family and friends affected by cancer.
What is the evidence?
There is strong evidence that counselling can help to manage distress, fear and can improve quality of life. There is good evidence that psychological therapies such as CBT can help reduce a range of concerns, including anxiety and depression, cancer-related fatigue and insomnia. Specific therapies (including CBT) for managing the fear of recurrence have shown some benefits.
Who can help with emotions
If you would like to talk to someone or need emotional support there are a variety of health professionals and services that can help. It’s important to find someone who is suitably qualified and who you feel comfortable talking with. Let them know if you have a history of anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns, as you may be feeling more vulnerable during this time.
| psychologist | Psychologists use evidence-based strategies to guide people through issues with how they think, feel and learn. They cannot prescribe medicines. To be registered with Ahpra, a psychologist must complete 4 years of psychology at undergraduate level, followed by postgraduate study and ongoing continuing professional development. |
| counsellor | Counsellors help people develop strategies to manage their concerns. They don’t need any qualifications to practise, though many counsellors have qualifications in counselling, nursing, social work or psychology. It’s a good idea to check their qualifications before making an appointment. Counselling may be available through your local Cancer Council – call 13 11 20. Beyond Blue offers free counselling – call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. |
| psychiatrist | Psychiatrists are trained and Ahpra-registered medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. They can prescribe medicines to help manage a range of mental and emotional conditions. |
How to find a mental health professional
Ask your GP for a referral – you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. To find a psychologist near you, visit psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist.
To find a psychiatrist, visit yourhealthinmind.org/find. You may be able to see a psychologist or psychiatrist at your hospital or cancer treatment centre.
Online self-help programs or smartphone apps can help you track how you’re feeling. Many are free to download. Visit moodgym.com.au or mindspot.org.au. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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