Find a Cancer Therapist

Understanding cancer and its emotional impact

Cancer is a broad term for conditions where cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Beyond the medical aspects, a cancer diagnosis often touches every part of your life - your sense of identity, relationships, work and day-to-day functioning. You may find that anxiety, low mood, fatigue and changes in how you see yourself become as demanding as physical symptoms. For many people the shock of diagnosis, the uncertainty of treatment outcomes and the practical upheaval of appointments and recovery create an ongoing emotional strain that is natural to experience and reasonable to address in therapy.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, in remission, living with advanced illness or supporting someone close to you, counselling can offer a dedicated space to explore how cancer is affecting you. Therapy does not try to change the medical facts of your situation. Instead it helps you develop ways of coping, communicate needs, make decisions and find personal meaning while navigating an often unpredictable journey.

Signs that you might benefit from therapy for cancer

You might consider talking to a counsellor if you find yourself struggling to manage strong emotions such as persistent anxiety, low mood or panic attacks that interfere with daily life. Therapy can also help when sleep becomes disturbed, appetite changes, concentration and memory feel impaired, or you notice increased use of alcohol or other behaviours to manage distress. Relationship strain is common - you may find it hard to talk about what you are experiencing with partners, family or friends, or you may be a carer feeling overwhelmed by responsibility. You might also seek support for body image concerns after surgery, loss of sexual desire, difficulties returning to work, or ongoing worries about recurrence. Finally, if thoughts about meaning, mortality or unfinished business are taking a lot of your mental energy, a counsellor can help you work through those concerns in a thoughtful, structured way.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on cancer

First appointments and assessment

Your initial sessions usually focus on getting a clear picture of your current needs and history. The counsellor will ask about how cancer has affected your mood, relationships, daily routine and any practical stresses you face. They will also want to know about your treatment timeline and whether you are receiving input from medical teams, so they can work alongside that care. Many therapists will explain their registration status - for example BACP, HCPC or NCPS - and discuss confidentiality, boundaries and what to expect from the working relationship. Together you will agree goals for therapy and a plan for how to review progress.

Ongoing therapeutic work

In session you can expect a balance of emotional support and practical techniques. Some time will be spent processing grief, fear and loss, while other moments will be used to learn coping strategies for anxiety or fatigue. The pace is set by you - some people prefer a reflective, supportive approach that focuses on meaning and expression, while others want structured strategies they can practise between sessions. You may be offered brief or longer term therapy depending on your needs. Family or couple sessions are sometimes included if relationships are affected, and therapists will usually discuss when it might be useful to involve carers or coordinate with oncology teams.

Common therapeutic approaches used for cancer

Several evidence-informed approaches are commonly used when working with people affected by cancer. Cognitive behavioural therapy emphasises understanding how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, and teaches practical techniques to reduce anxiety and manage unhelpful patterns. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps you live in line with your values while managing difficult emotions. Mindfulness-based interventions offer ways to work with stress and intrusive thoughts by cultivating present-moment awareness and self-compassion.

Meaning-centred therapies support people to explore their sense of purpose and to find meaning in altered circumstances, which can be especially relevant when facing life-limiting illness or existential concerns. Trauma-informed approaches are used when a diagnosis or treatment has led to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Supportive-expressive therapy focuses on building a therapeutic relationship that allows expression of emotions and strengthening coping resources. Family and systemic therapies look at how the wider network is affected and how communication patterns can be adjusted to reduce strain and improve mutual support.

When seeking a therapist, it is reasonable to ask about their experience with oncology-related issues and which approaches they use. Many counsellors will combine techniques from more than one model to fit your needs.

How online therapy works for cancer support

Online therapy can be a convenient option while you are undergoing treatment, recovering from surgery, or living in a location with fewer local services. Sessions are usually offered by video call, telephone, or a mix of synchronous and asynchronous contact, depending on the counsellor. Online work allows you to schedule appointments around hospital visits and can reduce travel fatigue. It also makes it easier for carers with busy schedules to join sessions when helpful.

Before starting online therapy, you and your counsellor will agree practical details such as the platform for sessions, contingency plans if calls are interrupted, and how to manage urgent concerns. It is useful to pick a quiet, comfortable area where you can speak without interruption. Some people find online sessions more private because they avoid travel and waiting rooms, while others prefer face-to-face contact; your preference matters and can be discussed with the therapist. Therapists who work online should explain how they protect your information and comply with professional standards.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for cancer support

Start by looking for a counsellor who is registered with an appropriate professional body - for example BACP, HCPC or NCPS - and who lists experience working with cancer, chronic illness or palliative care. Read profiles to see whether they mention specific issues you are facing such as treatment-related anxiety, body image after surgery, bereavement, or caregiver stress. Consider practical factors like whether they offer face-to-face or online sessions, how long sessions last, fees and availability, and whether they can liaise with your oncology team if needed.

It is reasonable to arrange a short initial conversation to get a sense of whether their style fits you. Ask about their approach to goal-setting, how they manage difficult emotions in session, and whether they have experience supporting people at similar stages in their cancer journey. Also ask about arrangements for crisis situations and how they work with other services. Trust your instincts - a good fit is not about perfect answers but about feeling heard and respected. If one therapist does not feel right, you can try another; finding the right therapeutic relationship often takes exploring options.

Therapy can be a practical companion to medical care. Whether you are seeking help to manage anxiety during treatment, to adapt to life after treatment, or to support someone you care about, the right counsellor can help you build coping strategies, make sense of difficult feelings and find ways to live in line with your values. When you are ready, browse profiles and reach out to a counsellor who feels like a good match for your needs.