When your child has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know who to talk to. Friends and family may struggle to understand what you are going through or have been through. We offer 1-1 talking therapy for adults and young people aged 16+ affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis.
About talking therapy
Talking therapy sessions are a private and confidential space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and help navigate challenging life events. When you book talking therapy through Candlelighters, you’ll receive one-to-one sessions with a trained therapist. Each session lasts one hour. During the sessions, they will listen without judgement and help you to express and understand your feelings and develop coping strategies to move forwards. It’s a valuable tool to help take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing throughout and beyond a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Adult talking therapy
Parents, carers and grandparents can book talking therapy sessions with our Family Wellbeing Practitioner, Ryan. Sessions can be delivered at our family support centre, The Square but we can also make alternative arrangements like home visits, phone, or video sessions if that suits you better. Talk to one of the Candlelighters team to discuss an option that would work for you.
Over-16's support
Our Family Wellbeing Practitioner, Ryan, is also able to provide counselling support for young people aged 16+. Ryan has lots of experience supporting patients and siblings through childhood cancer. Sessions can be delivered at our family support centre, The Square but we can also make alternative arrangements like home visits, phone, or video sessions if that suits you better. Talk to one of the Candlelighters team to discuss an option that would work for you.
Children's talking therapy
How to book
To book a talking therapy appointment you can:
- Speak to one of our Family Support Workers
- Call us on 0113 887 8333
- Email us at [email protected]
Please note that there may be a short waiting list for appointments.
If you can no longer make a talking therapy session you have booked, please let us know as soon as possible using the contact details above. This allows us to give appointments to other family members and keep waiting lists short.

Our friendly family support team are on hand to help. Get in touch by phone or email.