I am a mental health professional who has had cancer and is open about it. That’s unusual. Not that mental health professionals get less cancer. It’s more that we are not usually trained to be open about our own big challenges, not least having cancer, in the belief that being open will not benefit our clients.

I have found the reverse over the years, and have written extensively from my dual perspective as psychologist and woman who had bilateral breast cancer 20 years ago now, but who lives with the fallout of the treatments I had. Some of these have got worse over time, and left me with a myriad of chronic physical conditions.  And, of course, the fear of recurrence is ever present.
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The value of one off consultations

I often see people affected by cancer themselves, family members etc., for a one off consultation about many of aspects of cancer. People can need validation of how they are feeling, finding it therapeutic that I have first hand experience of cancer and am prepared to disclose aspects of this, if asked. They have often read things I have written prior to the session, so have questions they want to ask/clarify with me.

People can opt for follow up sessions, if they wish.

Chronic conditions

Ever since the age of 27, I have coped with chronic conditions, having been diagnosed with ME, chronic fatigue, long Covid, to name just three. I have a range of muscular skeletal problems and immune system issues, so I am no stranger to the kind of suffering that accompanies these conditions, both emotional and physical.

I have often supported people who want a therapist who understands from their side of the fence, whilst acknowledging differences in our situations, of course.

Again, one off consultations or short courses of therapy can be useful, as well as longer term therapy.