Does Counselling Work

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Jules123
Jules123 Member Posts: 35
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Hi Everyone,

I'm coming up to my 2 year anniversary and I was handling things pretty well BUT for the last 6 months I've found myself becoming depressed.  My boyfriend's brother has just passed away suddently from cancer we weren't expecting it and by the time he was diagnosed it was too late.  He was only 48 and has left a young family behind.  Also, one of my colleagues at work has BC and as much as I can help her I've stepped back a bit as it was getting too much.  I used to go to chemo sessions with her but I can't do it anymore.

I feel that I've lost all control and that the cancer can come back despite my best efforts.  I live overseas and there is no support group available.  I am thinking about  counseling to help me back on track and give me some tools to cope.  Has anyone had therapy and did it help you?  I was doing so well now it seems I'm stuck.

Wishing you all good health

Jules

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  • voraciousreader
    voraciousreader Member Posts: 7,496
    edited May 2011

    Jules123...By all means do whatever you think is necessary to help you feel better again.  If that means going for therapy, by all means-- go!  If that means not helping others...by all means, help yourself instead.  Consider this a bump in the road.  Great that you noticed it before it became a huge pot hole..or sink hole!  Does therapy work?  Yes!  My husband has a chronic, life threatening illness and depression gallops in his family.  He, and many of his family members have had help and all are leading active, successful lives.  Good luck!

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  • SandyAust
    SandyAust Member Posts: 393
    edited May 2011

    Hi Jules,

    I think counselling can be very helpful if you have the right counsellor. If you don't feel comfortable with the first, or even the second person you see, try someone else.

    Take care,

    Sandy

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  • Jules123
    Jules123 Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    Thank you for your kind words.  I've just made an appointment to see my GP to get a referral to make an appointement with a counsellor.  My friend gave me the name of someone who is very good so hopefully I will feel comfortable with her.

    voracious reader - hope your husband is doing ok.  I'm new to all of this how does it work do you just talk about your problems and then the counsellor helps you with coping mechanisms?  I'm new to all of this.

    Jules

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited May 2011

    Hi Jules123

    I have been seeing a psychologist who specialises in cancer since shortly after my diagnosis.  At the very least it is an opportunity to talk with someone openly about your concerns, which you can't always do with family and friends in regard to BC.  A counsellor/therapist can also help you with tools to manage issues such as pessimistic thoughts and feelings.  This can include relaxation techniques and other therapies.  

    I am currenlty also looking into meditation, which I have read is very helpful for cancer patients, and also acupuncture for anxiety management.

    I hope you get to see a counsellor very soon. 

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  • Jules123
    Jules123 Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2011

    Hi Racy,

    Thanks I had no idea how the process works so that will give me some idea what to expect and sounds like exactly what I need.  Is the person you see specialised in cancer?

     I've heard acupuncture works I may mention that to my doctor.

    Thanks again for your help.

    Jules 

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited May 2011

    Jules - I was fortunate to find a therapist that is a BC survivor so she totally gets it!  I have been in therapy for a little over a year now - I am going every 10 days instead of weekly and I can't stress enough how this therapist has helped me this past year.  Years and years ago there was a stigma of "shame" associated with being in therapy.  Not any more!!  What we are all dealing with is HUGE and sometimes we just can't do it on our own.

    You mentioned you were overseas....where are you?

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited May 2011

    Jules!

    Definitely try seeing a therapist if you feel the need.  Your primary is a great start, as well as the recomendation from friends.  Remember, you are interviewing the therapist to make sure he or she is good fit for you.  I am a psychotherapist,so feel free to pm me with any questions.  Good luck! xo

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