Counselling
Talking to someone confidentially to discuss a difficulty in your life can be a real help as you go through your cancer journey. Cancer patients and their loved ones can get free one-to-one counselling at affiliated cancer support centres, funded by the Irish Cancer Society.
Without counselling I don’t think I would have had such a great recovery or be as positive about my future as I am. I can express my worries and fears. It has made me realise how precious life is and life is for living. It has changed my life for the better.
How counselling helps
Making sense of your feelings
Some people say the emotional side of a cancer diagnosis is the hardest thing to deal with. Patients and their families may experience anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and depression. These feelings can occur at any time - even months or years later.
A trained counsellor can help you to make sense of your feelings.
A safe space
Not everyone finds it easy to talk to other people about their feelings. Some people feel they have to put on a brave face, to avoid upsetting the people around them. Or you may not have anyone you feel comfortable talking to about your feelings.
Talking to someone not involved in your situation can give you space and time to share your private thoughts and fears and talk about whatever is troubling you.
Dealing with difficult times
Some people describe having cancer as an emotional rollercoaster, with many difficult, stressful times. A counsellor won't tell you what to do, but will listen to you and help you to see things differently and give you techniques to get through the difficult times.
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.
I feel more equipped to face the world and have tools to use if I find myself in a bad space.
Talking about cancer made it less awful and helped ease my fears. I learned to cope and understand myself better.
Who is the counselling service for?
The counselling service is available for:
- All patients who have had a cancer diagnosis
- Family members, including brothers and sisters of young people with cancer
- Partners, carers and friends
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.
Online & phone counselling
You now have the option of availing of our online and phone counsellors to get the help and support you need from the comfort of your own home. The sessions take place by phone or Zoom, depending on your preference.
You can also use a private counsellor or ask consultant or medical team to refer you to the psycho-oncology service if there’s one in your hospital.
Support Centre Counselling Services
Carlow
Eist Carlow Cancer Support: 059 913 9684
Cavan
Cuan Cancer Social Support and Wellness Group: 086 455 6632
Cork
Cork ARC House: 021 427 6688
Donegal
Counselling services are available in Letterkenny. Sligo Cancer Support Centre has further information on these services: 071 917 0399
Coiste Scaoil Saor ó Ailse: 074 953 2949
Dublin
Arc Cancer Support Centre, South Circular Road: 01 707 8880
Arc Cancer Support Centre, Eccles Street: 01 830 7333
Tallaght Cancer Support Group: 086 400 2736
Galway
Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre: 090 964 5574
Tuam Cancer Care: 093 28522
Offaly
Dochas Offaly Cancer Support: 057 932 8268
Kerry
Recovery Haven Cancer Support House: 066 719 2122
Kilkenny
Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre: 056 775 2222
Laois
Cuisle Cancer Support Centre: 057 868 1492
Limerick
Cancer Information and Support Centre: 061 48 5163
Louth
Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre: 041 980 5100
Mayo
Mayo Cancer Support Association: 094 903 8407
Roscommon
Roscommon Cancer Support Centre: 090 662 5898
Sligo
Sligo Cancer Support Centre: 071 917 0399
Tipperary
Suaimhneas Cancer Support Centre: 067 37403
Waterford
The Solas Cancer Support Centre: 051 304604
Westmeath
Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC: CallSave 1850 719 719
Wexford
Hope Cancer Support Centre: 053 923 8555
Wicklow
Arklow Cancer Support Group: 0402 23590
Greystones Cancer Support: 01 287 1601
I found the counselling wonderful, to be able to discuss my thoughts and fears… It makes you feel safe and less alone.
For more information
Phone
1800 200 700