Psycho-oncology

Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists offer specialist help with the often complex emotional journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment. They work closely together to provide all aspects of psycho-oncology care including counselling and psychotherapy to patients and their families to address significant emotional adjustment concerns following a diagnosis of cancer and associated treatment effects and lifetime adjustment concerns. 

The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may experience feelings of anger, shock, disbelief, fear, guilt, sadness, depression and anxiety about how your illness may bring about unwanted changes to your life and to the lives of your family and loved ones. Spouses, family and friends may also experience difficulty in adjusting to the cancer diagnosis as they learn to cope with the increased demands of new roles and responsibilities, while trying to manage their own mixed emotions. 

If you, or a family member, are experiencing any of the following, we may be able to help:

• anxiety and fear, sadness, hopelessness or irritability, loss of confidence
• trouble expressing your feelings to your spouse, children or those people close to you
• fatigue or problems sleeping
• pain and discomfort
• stress over changes to your body
• inability to enjoy the things you used to find pleasurable
• inability to participate in day to day life
• worry about the cancer coming back

To make an appointment, talk to your oncologist. They will arrange a referral and contact your general practitioner to create a plan to allow you to claim rebate for consultations.