Meet Counsellor Helen
Helen Swann is one of Coping with Cancer’s team of trained counsellors. She knows people can sometimes be a bit nervous about trying counselling for the first time so tells us exactly what you can expect.
“Even now, when there is so much more understanding around the importance of mental health, there can still be a hesitation to reach out for counselling. People sometimes imagine it’s only for those who are seriously ill but it’s not. Everyone can benefit and people are often very surprised by the difference it can make. In the first session I’ll find out what you’d like to get out of the experience – what you want to be different in your life. Then I’ll work with you to help make that happen and give you some strategies to help you to relax and cope. It’s a bit like unravelling a ball of wool – all of the feelings can feel knotted up and together we unwind them and see where they lead.
Some people want to offload about their experience of cancer. Often, they’ve been bottling things up because they don’t want to feel like they are burdening family and friends with what they’re going through and their fears.
It can be very helpful to have someone trustworthy to talk to outside of your normal circle. It’s very different to talking to friends. I describe it as sitting alongside you, rather than opposite you. I don’t have an opinion on what you say, you won’t feel judged and I won’t be giving advice or telling you how to feel or act.
Counselling creates a uniquely confidential space where you can work through your feelings. There are no distractions, no outside influences, just dedicated time to let thoughts go. It can be surprising what comes out when we talk things through in the right conditions and the results can be quite powerful. After 50 minutes you can leave all that weight with me and get on with the rest of your life.
The most common thing I hear from clients is: ‘You’re the only one I can talk to about this.’ They find relief that I’m not trying to fix them and they don’t have to think about what they’re saying to save the feelings of others. With me they can take the mask off and tell it like it really is. That can be such a relief. They feel understood. They no longer feel alone.
When you’re going through this it can feel like it’s taking over your life. But with some help you can remember you are more than just a cancer patient and your life is so much bigger. And if you’re a relative or friend, it’s important to remember your feelings are valid too. You might feel helpless, you might be putting your own feelings and worries aside to appear strong. But if your mind is functioning well then, you’ll be a better support to your loved one."
What support is offered?
The project provides a range of therapies including counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, massage and Indian head massage.
What are the benefits?
There’s the opportunity to talk through feelings and anxieties and make plans to live your life the way you want to. The idea is to allow you time and space to focus on yourself and your priorities, away from hospital and home. By complementing the work of NHS treatment plans, your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health is taken care of.
Who is it for?
Support is available to any Karbon customer who has been affected by cancer, including friends, family and carers of those who’ve had a diagnosis.
Where does therapy take place?
Coping with Cancer’s health hub is based at Cramlington. It has easy parking directly outside and is well served by local transport. Some counselling services are also offered online or by telephone.
How do I get in touch?
Contact Coping with Cancer directly by visiting www.copingwithcancer.org.uk, by calling 0191 250 2026 or by emailing info@copingwithcancer.org.uk
Meet Counsellor Helen
Helen Swann is one of Coping with Cancer’s team of trained counsellors. She knows people can sometimes be a bit nervous about trying counselling for the first time so tells us exactly what you can expect.
“Even now, when there is so much more understanding around the importance of mental health, there can still be a hesitation to reach out for counselling. People sometimes imagine it’s only for those who are seriously ill but it’s not. Everyone can benefit and people are often very surprised by the difference it can make. In the first session I’ll find out what you’d like to get out of the experience – what you want to be different in your life. Then I’ll work with you to help make that happen and give you some strategies to help you to relax and cope. It’s a bit like unravelling a ball of wool – all of the feelings can feel knotted up and together we unwind them and see where they lead.
Some people want to offload about their experience of cancer. Often, they’ve been bottling things up because they don’t want to feel like they are burdening family and friends with what they’re going through and their fears.
It can be very helpful to have someone trustworthy to talk to outside of your normal circle. It’s very different to talking to friends. I describe it as sitting alongside you, rather than opposite you. I don’t have an opinion on what you say, you won’t feel judged and I won’t be giving advice or telling you how to feel or act.
Counselling creates a uniquely confidential space where you can work through your feelings. There are no distractions, no outside influences, just dedicated time to let thoughts go. It can be surprising what comes out when we talk things through in the right conditions and the results can be quite powerful. After 50 minutes you can leave all that weight with me and get on with the rest of your life.
The most common thing I hear from clients is: ‘You’re the only one I can talk to about this.’ They find relief that I’m not trying to fix them and they don’t have to think about what they’re saying to save the feelings of others. With me they can take the mask off and tell it like it really is. That can be such a relief. They feel understood. They no longer feel alone.
When you’re going through this it can feel like it’s taking over your life. But with some help you can remember you are more than just a cancer patient and your life is so much bigger. And if you’re a relative or friend, it’s important to remember your feelings are valid too. You might feel helpless, you might be putting your own feelings and worries aside to appear strong. But if your mind is functioning well then, you’ll be a better support to your loved one."
What support is offered?
The project provides a range of therapies including counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, massage and Indian head massage.
What are the benefits?
There’s the opportunity to talk through feelings and anxieties and make plans to live your life the way you want to. The idea is to allow you time and space to focus on yourself and your priorities, away from hospital and home. By complementing the work of NHS treatment plans, your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health is taken care of.
Who is it for?
Support is available to any Karbon customer who has been affected by cancer, including friends, family and carers of those who’ve had a diagnosis.
Where does therapy take place?
Coping with Cancer’s health hub is based at Cramlington. It has easy parking directly outside and is well served by local transport. Some counselling services are also offered online or by telephone.
How do I get in touch?
Contact Coping with Cancer directly by visiting www.copingwithcancer.org.uk, by calling 0191 250 2026 or by emailing info@copingwithcancer.org.uk
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