Counselling

The Irish Cancer Society partners with cancer support services around the country to ensure that no matter where you are in Ireland, you will have access to safe and confidential support. Cancer patients and their loved ones can get free one-to-one counselling at our Partner Cancer Support Centres, funded by the Irish Cancer Society. See list below

How counselling helps

Who is the counselling service for?

Cancer Counselling Centres

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.

Cancer survivor

Younger woman consoling older woman on couch

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.

Learn about online & phone counselling