Counselling services
Providing support and counselling to patients living with a diagnosis of cancer, as well as their partners, children and families.
The counselling service is based at Forest Holme and provides support and counselling to patients living with a diagnosis of cancer as well as their partners, children and families. This may be when cancer is diagnosed or at any stage of the illness.
There is also a bereavement service that provides support and counselling for individuals, couples, children, young people and families before and after bereavement.
Both services are available by appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for early morning and early evening sessions. We also see patients and their families on the ward in Forest Holme and in the main hospital.
How counselling can help
Talking to a counsellor may help you to:
- See things differently
- Explore your feelings in a safe environment
- Find ways to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Improve communication with family, friends and health professionals
- Feel supported
- Find a level of acceptance and increased understanding of your deepest concerns.
We offer a confidential service provided by professionally trained counsellors experienced in working with people affected by cancer and bereavement.
Who can use the service?
The counselling service can be used by all patients, their partners and families, who are affected by cancer and are being treated at Poole Hospital. Referrals can also be made through the medical and nursing staff, and the hospital and community specialist palliative care teams./p>
An initial assessment session will be offered to discuss your needs and whether counselling may be supportive to you at this time. No charge is made for the counselling sessions.
We recommend, whenever possible, that the person choosing to have counselling contacts us directly. We appreciate that making the first contact may take considerable courage, as it is the first step towards being in the counselling relationship. This is especially the case if you have not previously talked about personal issues to someone outside of your friends and family.
Please telephone 0300 019 8096 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment with a counsellor.
If you call outside of these hours please leave your name, a brief message and times when you are available and we will return your call.
