Cancer Psychological Therapies
Cancer Psychological Therapies
What we do
The service supports people whose lives have been affected by cancer. The service is available to any adult patient who is undergoing treatment for cancer at a BHRUT hospital.
We offer this support via a broad range of therapeutic services, including psychological therapy on an individual, couple, family or group basis.
The types of difficulties that we support people with include:
- Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis.
- Dealing with changes in life circumstances, brought about by cancer, including work, social life, and relationships.
- Cancer-related mental health concerns, including anxiety and
depression. - Cancer-related trauma.
- Sexual functioning, fertility and relationship issues related to cancer.
- Phobias related to cancer treatment.
- Body image issues.
- Maintaining quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond.
- Dealing with side effects of treatment, such as pain and fatigue.
- Living alongside a palliative cancer diagnosis.
- Coping with end-of-life issues.
In addition to supporting people whose lives have been affected by cancer, we also offer training, supervision and consultation to other health professionals.
Treatment
The team consists of a range of experienced clinical and counselling psychologists, psychotherapists, and other psychological practitioners. We also have trainee/assistant psychologists on placement.
We use a variety of different evidence-based approaches in our work, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic therapy, integrative therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, existential therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, ACT, Compassion Focussed approaches and other creative therapies.
The team also work alongside and provide consultation and support to clinical nurse specialists, Consultants and Oncologists, inpatient ward visits, community Macmillan services.
Appointments
Appointments for psychological therapy typically last 50 minutes and are usually held on a weekly or fortnightly basis. These can be arranged more or less frequently if required. The service offers a choice of telephone, video and in-person appointments, and it is possible to mix and match these, in consultation with your therapist.
The first appointment is called an assessment and is generally about getting to know you and some of your experience of cancer. During this assessment, your therapist will think with you about what you need, whether therapy will be useful for you, and what goals your therapy may want to head towards.
Referrals
Referrals are usually made by a health care professional who knows the patient.
Download and complete the referral form below and email to: nem-tr.ClinicalHealthPsychology@nhs.net
CHPS Cancer Psychological Therapies Patient Referral Form [docx] 62KB
How to contact us
Cancer Psychological Therapies
Oncology & Haematology Dept
Queen’s Hospital
Rom Valley Way
Romford
RM7 0AG
Tel: 0300 300 1645
Where the service is based
Where the service is based
Service Opening times: Monday -Friday, 9am-5pm
Queen’s Hospital
Oncology & Haematology Dept
Queen’s Hospital
Rom Valley Way
Romford
RM7 0AG
King George Hospital
Jasmine Ward
King George Hospital
Barley Lane
Goodmayes
Ilford
IG3 8YB
Patient testimonials
“The help I have received has helped me speak out about my problems. Not only about my cancer and the fear of it returning but also my life and everyday struggles I have.”
“I liked given the time to talk about my problems and the time to work develop coping strategies. It took a bit longer but I was given extra sessions. Really good experience should have asked help earlier.”
“My counselling psychologist was extremely supportive and approachable. We built up an excellent relationship.”
Trainee testimonials
“I have had a great experience with this placement, it has always felt organised and professional. I have enjoyed working in a health setting and I feel that I have learnt a lot which I can take forward into other contexts. I felt valued as a trainee in the team.”
“I would like to thank the Clinical Health Psychology team in the Oncology and Haematology department at Queens Hospital for offering me a fantastic learning experience during placement on my Clinical Psychology doctorate. I was fortunate to complete a 6 month placement with the team, during which time I worked alongside incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate psychologists. Although working within a physical health setting was unfamiliar for me, I felt extremely well supported and really valued the opportunity to learn from such experienced colleagues and to witness the impressive care and commitment they showed to clients. I felt fortunate to get the opportunity to work closely with multiple members of the team and was welcomed into the service whole-heartedly. I would particularly like to thank Licia, Miriam, Barbara, and James for being so welcoming and generous with their time and for allowing me an insight into the incredibly important work they do. Working within a psychodynamic framework was a new but incredibly rewarding challenge for me, and I found supervision to be a supportive, non-judgemental learning environment within which I was encouraged to build my confidence. My clinical work during this placement was varied and immensely interesting, which enabled me to develop my proficiency in working with a range of presentations and clients, while feeling well supported and confident in seeking advice from my colleagues.
I would also like express my gratitude to the clients I worked with during my placement; it was an honour to be a part of your journey and to learn so much from you.”
Crisis Support
Emergency / Crisis Support
NHS 111 (Option 2) – Call 24/7 for urgent mental health advice, support, and triage. They can assess your needs and direct you to appropriate services.
Text support (NHS 111 service) – Text “help” to 07860 009642 for urgent support. Replies are provided as soon as possible by the NHS mental health team.
999 / A&E – Available 24/7 for life-threatening emergencies or if you cannot keep yourself safe.
GP (urgent / out-of-hours) – Contact during surgery hours or via out-of-hours services for urgent medical or mental health support.
Emotional Support
Samaritans – 116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A confidential listening service for anyone feeling distressed or overwhelmed.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 587 0800, 6pm–midnight daily (alt: 0800 689 0880). Provides a safe, non-judgemental space to talk through suicidal thoughts and feelings.
SANEline – 0300 304 7000, 4:30pm–10:30pm daily. Specialist emotional support and mental health information.
Switchboard (LGBTQ+ support) – 0300 330 0630, 10am–10pm daily. Also offers email and webchat. Provides confidential support from trained LGBTQ+ volunteers.
Mind – www.mind.org.uk - Offers information, self-help resources, and guidance on coping and accessing support.
Cancer-Related Support
Macmillan Support Line – 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 9am–5pm. Provides emotional, clinical, practical, and financial advice for people affected by cancer.
Macmillan Information Room – Queen’s Hospital - Opening times may vary (typically weekday service), 01708 435174, bhrut.cancerinfoandsupport@nhs.net
Offers face-to-face support, cancer information, and links to local services and groups.
Cancer Care Map – www.cancercaremap.org (available anytime)
An online directory to find local cancer support services (e.g. counselling, support groups, wellbeing services, practical help) based on your location.
Additional / Community Resources
Hub of Hope – www.hubofhope.co.uk
A national directory to find mental health and community support services near you.
Joy Social Prescribing (Joy App) – www.services.thejoyapp.com
Helps connect people with local activities, groups, and services to support wellbeing, sometimes via GP referral.