Survivorship Counselling

Counselling is offered by our team of psychologists. All our psychologists have experience working with both children and adults. Learn more about them here.

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is a stressor that can affect the mental health and wellbeing of all family members. This may include changes to your mood, behaviour, coping, and functioning. Different challenges can arise at different points during the cancer experience, including following treatment completion. 

Many family members find it helpful to speak with a psychologist during stressful times, periods of change, or other difficult times. Counselling offers:

• A safe space to express your feelings
• Help to build understanding and resilience
• Support to strengthen existing coping strategies and develop new ones 

Psychologists provide evidence-based treatment that is tailored to your specific goals and treatment preferences, recognising that every person is different.

In Person: Counselling is available in person at the Childhood Cancer Association office.

Via Telehealth: If you are unable to attend our office in person we provide telehealth services via telephone or video conferencing. We recommend an initial face-to-face appointment with your psychologist prior to commencing telehealth services, if it is possible.

What training do psychologists have?

Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals. They complete at least six years training and participate in ongoing professional development. Our psychologists adhere to strict professional and ethical guidelines, and are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).   

Do I need a referral?

No referral or Mental Health Care plan is required to access our counselling services. 

Do you have wait times?

Our psychologists typically have good availability and wait times are minimal. 

How long are appointments?

Appointments last 50-60 minutes. We ask that you arrive ten minutes early to your first appointment in order to complete some initial paperwork.

Do you provide assessments or written reports for third parties? 

To remain focussed on therapeutic intervention we don’t provide formal assessments, reports or letters for legal, learning, employment or Centrelink purposes.

Do you work with interpreters?

Yes, we are happy to work with interpreters and can arrange interpreting services through the Interpreting and Translating Centre (ITC) if required.

For further information about our counselling services or to book an appointment for yourself or a family member, please contact the Family Service Team.

The Family Service Team is available Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.  We are closed on weekends and public holidays.