Expert Support and Therapy for Cancer Related Concerns from a Clinical Psychologist

Being given a cancer diagnosis or hearing that a loved one has cancer turns your entire life upside down. Whether it comes out of the blue or following a period of illness, the word “cancer” makes many people complete freeze in the appointment room. People often describe every fear washing over them, feeling numb and disconnected, or not really believing it’s true. It takes time for us to make sense of such difficult news, and then the focus is on treatment if that is an option.

Whether you are facing a lengthy treatment, have been told that there is no treatment option available, or are coming to the end of treatment feeling lost and adrift in a life that no longer fits quite right — I am here to work through the emotional impacts of cancer with you.

If you are a loved one or caregiver navigating the stress of supporting your person, trying to figure out all of the many ways in which you now need to think differently and prepare for what’s ahead, or are feeling completely overwhelmed and exhausted juggling everything — we can find a way forward together.

People have often described their experience of cancer as being adrift at sea with no compass, just trying not to drown in the waves of uncertainty, and trying desperately to find the nearest land or an anchor to hold onto. Whatever your experience, we can make sense of what has happened, work through your current experiences, and prepare for what is to come.

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Common Challenges For Those With a Diagnosis

People with a cancer diagnosis often tell me they are experiencing challenges with:

  • Self esteem and confidence

  • Anxiety and worries about the future

  • Difficulties with fatigue and managing energy

  • Low mood and hopelessness

  • Dealing with medical trauma

  • Body image changes and loss of trust in their body

  • Relationship and intimacy concerns

  • Grief for the life they used to live

  • Loss of identity and changes in roles

  • Social isolation

Common Challenges For Loved Ones

People supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis often tell me they experience difficulties with:

  • Anxiety and worries about the future

  • Stress and burnout

  • Uncertainty about how they can help

  • Relationship and intimacy concerns

  • Grief for the life they used to live and their loved one (including anticipatory grief)

  • Loss of identity and changes in roles

  • Social isolation

  • Low mood and hopelessness

My Professional Experience

I have many years of experience working with people with chronic and acute, as well as life-limiting, health conditions as well as their loved ones. Before becoming a Clinical Psychologist I completed a Masters in Health and Medical Psychology, and regularly integrate aspects of Health Psychology into my work.

I most recently worked for a several years supporting people with a whole range of cancer diagnosis; from those pre-diagnosis or with genetic risk, to those undergoing active treatment, and to those who are facing palliative care or the end of life. My work involved both individual as well as family work, and groups and courses. This role gave me a great amount of knowledge about the different types of cancer, treatment options and common challenges with each, and the difficulties people face as they navigate the uncertainty and emotions cancer brings.

During this time I also worked regularly with loved ones, caregivers and family members of people with cancer diagnoses, both individually and with their loved one together. I also supported people who were coping with the imminent death of a loved one and experiencing anticipatory grief, as well as those bereaved through cancer.

If you feel you would benefit from some specialist support to help manage the emotional impacts of a diagnosis, supporting your loved one or managing grief, please do get in touch to discuss how I might be able to help at this point in time.

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Good resources

Here are a number of good free resources you might wish to explore: