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 children 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 or your child 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 trained therapists, Liz, Lisa, Jonathan and 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.
Children's talking therapy
Patients and siblings can receive specialist children’s talking therapy with our therapists Jo or Sarah. These sessions are adapted to be age-appropriate for children and young people to help navigate what can be a confusing and upsetting time. Jo delivers sessions on Thursdays 4-8pm at The Square but can be flexible where needed, including delivering sessions at home or school. Bookings for children and young people’s talking therapy should be made by a parent or carer.
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.