Psychology and counselling
Psychology and Counselling for people affected by cancer
Cancer diagnosis affects many aspects of life—both for a patient and their loved ones. Our psychologist and Macmillan counsellors are here to help you deal with the emotional side-effects of cancer
Psychology and counseling appointments take place at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Our service is free and confidential.
Who is the service for?
We offer emotional support to people affected by cancer within the Trust. If you are a cancer patient, carer, relative or friend, you may be able to access support from a counsellor or psychologist.
What are the benefits?
There is a lot of evidence that psychological support can help you to cope better with the many difficulties you face, during and after your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Having a confidential space to talk honestly about how you are feeling with someone you can trust can help.
Benefits include:
- helping with family and relationship issues
- helping with exploring personal issues
- overcoming anxiety and stress
- applying proven self-help techniques to minimise side-effects of treatment and enhance your quality of life
- finding different ways of coping that hadn't occurred to you before
How do I access psychological support?
Ask your medical team, including your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or doctor to refer you.
You can also contact the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to request counselling or psychology. Drop-in from 10am–4pm or call us on 020 3315 2386.
What does it involve?
Your first appointment will include an assessment of your needs by talking with a counsellor or psychologist. You will discuss whether further appointments are required and, if so, the number and frequency of sessions will be explored.
We may offer you a course of psychology or counselling session depending on the types of difficulties you have, as well as your own preference and availability. We offer both inpatient and outpatient appointments. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire on how you have been feeling and how you are coping with your current situation.
You will be offered a limited number of sessions. Ideally, you will be seen at the same time every week for approximately 45 minutes each time.