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Cancer Counselling & psychological support

Specialist therapy for diagnosis, treatment, survivorship & those living with and affected by cancer
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Supervision is a collaborative process which allows counsellors and psychotherapists the space to reflect on their work and continuing professional development to ensure safe, ethical and competent practice.

Cancer can change everything – but no-one should have to navigate those changes alone. Living with cancer, whether you are newly diagnosed, in active treatment, adjusting to survivorship or navigating life after cancer can bring distinct emotional, psychological and relational challenges.

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At WJH Therapy, I offer specialist cancer counselling informed by extensive experience in NHS specialist cancer psychology, palliative care and bereavement services and private practice. I understand the realities of oncology treatment and the psychological toll it can take, months and years afterwards.

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My approach is compassionate, evidence‑based and grounded in a deep understanding of how cancer can affect every part of life.

what is cancer counselling?

Cancer counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore the emotional and psychological impact of cancer at any stage; diagnosis, treatment, remission, recurrence or end of life care.

 

Therapy can support you to process the many and complex feelings involved including uncertainty, anger, fear, identity changes and the grief that often accompanies a life altering diagnosis.

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People seek cancer counselling for many reasons, including:

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  • Shock and overwhelm after diagnosis

  • Anxiety during treatment or whilst waiting for results

  • Fear of recurrence

  • Changes in roles, relationships, intimacy and family dynamics

  • Loss of identity or confidence

  • Body image concerns after treatment or surgery

  • Emotional and psychological adjustment to survivorship

  • Grief for the life you had before cancer

  • Navigating employment changes or returning to work

  • Coping with long‑term side effects or chronic symptoms

  • Existential questions about meaning, mortality and the future

  • Fatigue, pain, sleep difficulties and managing ‘brain fog’

  • Living with uncertainty and a loss of control

  • Managing advanced, metastatic or life limiting illness

how cancer can affect emotional & psychological well-being

Cancer is not only a physical condition, but it can also reshape how you see yourself, your relationships and your place in the world. Many people describe cancer as a ‘before and after’ experience, where life changes in ways that are difficult to articulate.

Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can often bring shock, disbelief, anger and a sudden loss of certainty. You may feel numb, frightened or disconnected from everyday life. This is a very normal reaction to receiving a diagnosis.

treatment

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and hormone treatments can affect mood, cognitions, energy levels and body image. The emotional toll of side effects, hospital appointments and constant monitoring can feel exhausting.

survivorship & life after cancer

Reaching the end of treatment is often portrayed as a relief, yet many people feel lost, anxious or unsure how to rebuild their lives. Fear of recurrence, identity changes and the pressure to ‘move on’ can feel difficult to navigate.

relationships & family life

A cancer diagnosis can change roles, responsibilities, communication patterns, sexual relationships and intimacy. Loved ones may struggle as well, and therapy can help you navigate these changes with compassion and understanding.

Employment & Daily Functioning

Returning to work or adjusting to new limitations can be emotionally complex. Therapy can support you to manage expectations, rebuild confidence and explore new possibilities.

Grief & Loss

Cancer often brings a grief process, not only for people who are bereaved, but for those grieving the life they had before cancer, their previous identity or the sense of safety they once felt.

How Therapy Can Help

I support people through many stages of a cancer journey and together we can look to find new ways to live with the uncertainty which going through a cancer journey can bring.

Therapy offers a space to explore your experiences at your own pace, without pressure or judgement.

 

Together we can work on:

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  • Managing anxiety, fear, low mood and uncertainty

  • Processing difficult experiences to diagnosis or treatment 

  • Rebuilding a sense of identity and self-confidence

  • Navigating relationship changes

  • Supporting communication with partners, children, family and others

  • Adjusting to physical changes and body image concerns

  • Coping with fatigue, brain fog and long‑term effects of diagnosis and treatment

  • Exploring meaning, purpose and values

  • Developing emotional resilience

  • Rebuilding life after treatment

  • Supporting decision‑making around treatment

  • Finding ways to live well alongside ongoing symptoms

  • Manage fears of recurrence

  • Maintaining a sense of control even in the face of uncertainty

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My approach combines compassion with clinical expertise and integrates psychotherapy, ACT informed strategies and compassion focused work, tailored to your needs and stage of the cancer journey.

Support Across the Cancer Journey

Specialist psychological support tailored to each stage of the cancer journey

Cancer is not a single event, it is a series of transitions, each with its own emotional, psychological, relational and existential challenges. My clinical work recognises that different stages of the cancer journey activate different psychological processes, including shock responses, trauma reactions, identity disruption, anticipatory anxiety, grief and complex emotional and psychological adjustment. Therapy offers a consistent, stabilising space throughout these transitions.

Newly Diagnosed

A cancer diagnosis often triggers an acute stress response. People may experience shock, dissociation, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbance and difficulty processing information. Early sessions focus on grounding, emotional stabilisation and helping you make sense of overwhelming feelings. We explore the psychological impact of hearing the diagnosis, support you with treatment decision‑making and help you regain a sense of agency at a time when life can feel suddenly out of control.

During Treatment

Active treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and hormone treatments can affect mood, cognition, body image, relationships and daily functioning.

 

Therapy during this stage often involves:

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  • Managing anticipatory anxiety before procedures

  • Coping with uncertainty and loss of predictability

  • Supporting emotional regulation during long treatment cycles

  • Addressing changes in identity, appearance and physical functioning

  • Navigating the impact on relationships, intimacy and family roles

  • Processing difficult experiences in relation to medical interventions or hospital environments

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This stage often requires a blend of stabilisation work, emotional support and practical coping strategies.

Post‑Treatment & Survivorship

The end of treatment is frequently misunderstood by others as a ‘return to normal’, yet clinically this is one of the most psychologically complex phases.

 

Many people experience:

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  • Fear of recurrence

  • Loss of the structure and safety of regular medical contact

  • Identity changes and difficulty reconnecting with ‘who I was before’

  • Emotional and psychological adjustment to long‑term side effects

  • Grief for the life someone had before cancer

  • Pressure to ‘move on’ before they feel ready

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Therapy can support you to rebuild identity, reconnect with values, process the emotional aftermath of treatment and navigate life after cancer with greater clarity and confidence.

Living With Advanced, Metastatic or Life‑Limiting Illness

This stage often brings profound emotional and existential challenges. People may experience anticipatory grief, fear of deterioration, concerns about loved ones and questions about meaning, legacy and identity.

 

Therapy provides a compassionate and grounded space to:

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  • Explore existential distress and uncertainty

  • Process anticipatory grief for yourself and those close to you

  • Maintain connection, purpose and emotional resilience

  • Support communication with family, children, partners and others

  • Navigate complex medical decisions

  • Hold both hope and realism without feeling overwhelmed

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This work is deeply relational, grounded in compassion and tailored to your pace and needs.

Support for Families, Partners & Carers

Cancer affects the whole system around a person. Loved ones often carry their own emotional burden and experience fear, exhaustion, guilt, helplessness or the pressure to ‘stay strong'.

 

Therapy can help families and partners:

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  • Understand their own emotional responses

  • Improve communication during times of stress

  • Navigate role changes and relationship strain

  • Manage anticipatory grief and uncertainty

  • Strengthen resilience as a family unit

Why Choose WJH Therapy?

  • Specialist expertise in cancer, emotional and psychological adjustment and managing the existential impact of cancer

  • Compassionate and evidence based therapeutic approach

  • Experience across NHS cancer psychology services and private practice

  • Flexible, client‑centred therapy tailored to your stage of the cancer journey

  • Warm, safe and confidential space to support you with whatever stage you are facing

Cancer Counselling - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I talk about in cancer counselling?

You can bring anything that feels heavy, confusing or difficult to carry alone. Many people use therapy to explore the emotional and psychological impact of diagnosis, treatment decisions, fear of recurrence, changes to identity, relationships, intimacy, body image, work, and the grief that comes with ‘life before cancer’. Sessions offer a safe and consistent space to process uncertainty, adjust to change and find ways to cope that feel authentic and sustainable.

2. Is cancer counselling helpful even if I’m already receiving medical or practical support?

Yes. Medical teams focus on treatment, counselling focuses on you — your emotions, your story and your lived experience. Even with strong support around you, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, isolated or unsure how to talk openly with loved ones. Therapy provides a confidential space to explore your feelings, make sense of the psychological impact of cancer, focus on what you need and strengthen your resilience through a cancer journey.

3. Who is cancer counselling suitable for?

It is suitable for people with a diagnosis, those in treatment, survivors, people living with advanced or metastatic cancer and family members or carers.

3. Can therapy help with fear of recurrence?

Yes, fear of recurrence is extremely common and therapy can help you understand triggers, manage anxiety and develop strategies to live more fully without being overwhelmed by fear.

4. I’ve finished treatment but don’t feel like myself, is this normal?

Absolutely. Many people struggle emotionally after treatment ends. Therapy can support you to rebuild identity, confidence and a sense of direction.

5. Can therapy help with body image changes?

Yes. Therapy provides space to explore the emotional impact of scars, hair loss, weight changes or altered physical functioning, helping you reconnect with your body with compassion.

6. How do I start therapy?

You can contact me directly to arrange an initial session. We will explore what you need and decide together how therapy can best support you.

GET IN TOUCH BUTTON

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Take the First Step When You’re Ready

Reaching out can be the hardest part, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change. 

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Why not get in touch for a free no obligation 15 minute call to see how we could work together


I work both online and in person at 52 Bowling Green Rd, Stourbridge, DY8 3RZ

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