Hope in Hard Times: Therapy for Individuals and Families Affected by Cancer

In this discussion with Kate, we explore life-limiting illnesses like cancer and motor-neurone disease. Kate, a therapist with a nursing background, shares her journey into this field. We touch on the significance of therapists being well-informed without overwhelming clients. Grief, loss, and the multifaceted impacts of cancer, including on sexuality and finances, are discussed. Kate highlights the psychological toll of medical trauma and gaslighting, addressing the need to confront toxic positivity and stigma. We also address the challenges faced by loved ones and carers, and the importance of discussing death. Kate's approach, marked by authenticity and humour, underscores the normalcy of emotions and the necessity of supporting clients and oneself through tough conversations. Finally, Kate dispels myths surrounding people with life-limiting illnesses, offering practical insights for everyone.

Who is Kate?

Kate has been informally counselling and caring for people who are at their most vulnerable for over 25 years as a Registered Nurse. She decided to formalise this by becoming a counsellor 5 years ago.

With her own personal experiences with family illness and the experiences of many others who she has helped throughout her Nursing career, she has gained an understanding of the complexities of the varied emotional, physical, and mental challenges that we face in our daily lives, when we are faced with illness and our diverse individual responses.

Kate works predominantly with people who are living with life limiting illness such as cancer and motor neurone disease and the different layers of loss and grief and life adjustment that comes with these illnesses. Kate works with children, carers and anyone who has been affected by life limiting illnesses.

Links

• Kate’s website is - https://www.bloomcounselling.com.au/our-people
• You can also find Kate over on Facebook & Instagram

• Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/
• You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• You can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.