Counselling

Talking to someone confidentially to discuss a difficulty in your life can be a real help as you go through your cancer journey. Find out more about what counselling is, how it can help and where you can get it.

Who can get counselling

The counselling service is available for all patients who have had a cancer diagnosis, their family members and significant others (a partner or friend). Most of the counselling will be on a one-to-one basis but sometimes it may be appropriate to invite your spouse, partner or family member along.
You don't need to have a serious problem to get counselling; if you're finding it hard to cope for any reason, then counselling can help.

How counselling helps

Coping with cancer can be difficult. Patients and their families may experience anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and depression. These feelings can occur at any time during their cancer journey - even months or years later.

So, it can be very useful to speak to someone who is not personally involved; you can tell them things that you may otherwise wish to keep private.

A counsellor will be able to provide emotional support by allowing you express your feelings and fears. He or she won't tell you what to do, but will help you see things differently and find your way through a difficult time.

Book an appointment

You can make an appointment with an Irish Cancer Society funded counsellor across Ireland. Call the numbers below to make your appointment:

• Dublin - Arc Cancer Support Centre: 01 707 8880
• Letterkenny/Donegal - Sligo Cancer Support Centre: 071 917 0399
• Mayo - Mayo Cancer Support Association: 094 903 8407
• Cork - Cork ARC House: 021 427 6688
• Louth - Gary Kelly Centre: 041 980 5100
• Wexford - Hope Centre: 053 923 8555
• Laois - Cuisle Centre: 057 868 1492
• Limerick - Cancer Information and Support Centre: 061 48 5163
• Sligo - Sligo Cancer Support Centre: 071 917 0399