The FOPS are pleased to announce a free confidential counselling service for men or their partners affected by their condition or treatment.

What Counselling means

There are many times in our lives when we all really feel we need someone to talk to and to listen to us and this is basically what counselling is. Prostate Cancer can have a huge, far-reaching impact on your life and if you are in this position being heard properly can be really important. You may it difficult to handle the diagnosis and the subsequent treatments with all the side effects.

Things you can normally cope with, such as going to work, excercising and meeting up with friends may become more difficult, and become less important to you. Your intimate relationships might change because of the treatment you are having.

Many people with cancer have confusing and upsetting feelings of anger, guilt and sadness. And feeling that you’re not in control of your life at this time can be very distressing.

What Counselling does

Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment at a regular time and place where you can explore these feelings. Counsellors support you in putting into words what is happening to you and help you think about and bear your experiences. Counsellors won’t give you advice but will support you in finding your own way of understanding and living with your difficulties

The Counsellor

Trevor Lyon-Smith is a 57 year old counsellor who has completed a Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Degree Course at Warwick University. He works as a Counsellor for the mental health charity Mind working with adults presenting with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and family breakdown. He also works as a Counsellor for Northampton Hospital's Child and Adolescent Bereavement Department and is a founder Friend of Prostate Sufferers Councillor www.thefops.org.uk

Counselling provision is free but donations to the FOPS are very welcome. To make an appointment at your home or other suitable location contact Trevor on 0777 955 8523 for an initial assessment