A childhood cancer diagnosis, and subsequent treatment and treatment outcomes, can present many challenges which may impact upon a family’s or individual’s psychological wellbeing. It may affect coping or functioning, across various contexts, and may exacerbate existing mental health issues.
In recognition of this, professional Counsellors/Psycholgists at the Childhood Cancer Association are available to support all family members who require support across a broad field of concerns including, but no limited to:
- Coping with a cancer diagnosis
- Coping with the various stages throughout treatment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post traumatic stress responses
- Sleep difficulties
- Behavioural issues and behavioural management
- Grief and loss
- Workplace and/or school bullying
- Coping with change, social and geographical adjustments (e.g. relocation to Adelaide for treatment)
- Time management, planning and scheduling
- Relationship issues
- Survivorship issues including but not limited to:
- adjusting to life outside of the hospital
- adjustment to work, school and home after treatment
- school issues
- body image concerns
- self esteem
- adjusting to life outside of the hospital
Counselling may assist you to process what is happening, and strengthen and develop alternative coping strategies to assist you throughout this time and beyond.
Bereavement Counselling
In the case where a child dies as a result of cancer or its treatment, individuals or families may feel overwhelmed with their reactions to the loss. Adults and children alike may process their grief quite differently, however they both can benefit from speaking with a trained professional in a confidential and safe space. Bereavement counselling enables individuals to explore the death of a loved one, strengthen existing coping strategies, identify and develop alternate ways to manage and develop strategies on how to maintain connections with the child who has died.
About the Counselling Services offered at the Childhood Cancer Association
Eligibility
The Childhood Cancer Association provides free counselling services to all client family members, including the child, parents/caregivers, siblings, grandparents and other family members and/or friends who are involved in the direct care of the child.
Counselling is available from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment and into survivorship. It is also available following the death of a child in the family.
Availability of services
Counselling is available at the Childhood Cancer Association Office. For those who are unable to attend the office, telehealth services are available via telephone or video conferencing, however this is coordinated with your Counsellor. It is recommended that an initial face to face session is conducted prior to a telehealth service commencing.
Service Hours
Access to the Family Service Team and Counselling services are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (closed on public holidays).
Please note that the Family Service Team is not an out of hour's service. If you are in need of emergency or crisis care services, please contact one of the following:
- Women's & Children's Hospital: (08) 8161 7000
- Assessment & Crisis Intervention Service (ACIS): 131 465
- Lifeline: 131 144
- Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
- Or present to your closest Hospital Emergency Department
The Counselling Team
Counselling services are conducted by our trained Family Service team - Anna Perry, Chris Coelle and Stella Delloso. They are all Psychologists and as such are members of the Psychology Board of Australia. Their practice adheres to the relevant professional and ethical guidelines utilising best evidence-based practice, while recognising that every family is unique and tailoring interventions accordingly. Learn more about our Counsellors.
Confidentiality
The Childhood Cancer Association is committed to providing a highly professional and confidential service. Find out more about our confidential service.
Further Information
For further information about our counselling services or to book an appointment for yourself or a family member, please contact the Family Service Team on (08) 8239 2211 or via the Contact Us page.