Psychological Support
Phycologists respect patients, listen without judging and encourage them to express themselves
Psychological support remains an important part of the holistic approach to cancer treatment, since the nature of the disease and its treatments may have a psychological, social and mental impact on patients and their families. Cancer diagnosis and the side effects of cancer treatment affect the patients’ psychological state and cause them various emotions.
Our psychologists provide their services with absolute confidentiality and discretion, respect their patients, listen carefully without judgment and encourage them to open up and express themselves. Their role is to give physiological support to patients and their families, and to teach them ways to overcome the challenges and the changes arising from the disease.
The Service is provided at the district offices of the Society or at the patients’ home.
Physiological support for you and your family
Psychologists use strategies and methods to help patients and their families deal with their emotions and encourage them to enhance competences and skills that allow them to cope with the reality imposed by their illness.
Patients can ask for support in:
- Dealing with adjustment, change, uncertainty or loss
- Dealing with difficulties in making decisions about cancer treatment
- Dealing with their reduced self-confidence or changes in their self-esteem and identity after their cancer diagnosis
- Managing pain, fatigue and the side effects of treatment
- Dealing with emotions like depression, anxiety, panic or anger
- Handling their relationships with family, friends or health professionals
- Coping with changes in their body image after diagnosis/therapy.
How can I access physiological support services?
Patients are referred to the Psychological Support Service by their treating physician or requesting it directly from the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society’s district offices.