What types of counseling services are available?

Counseling is a service in which you receive guidance with emotional and practical concerns from a knowledgeable and trained person, usually a trained professional. The goal of counseling is to learn how to relieve and manage distress about any concern.

Counseling may be provided in a variety of settings including:

• Individual counseling - Talking and sharing privately, one-on-one with the counselor. Individual counseling can be useful for those who want support but who are uncomfortable talking in groups.

• Couples counseling - Partners talk with a counselor together.

• Family counseling - The entire family talks with the counselor.

• Group counseling - A group of individuals with similar concerns meets together with a trained counselor who provides guidance.

• Support group sessions - A group of individuals that come together for similar reasons. These groups usually focus on one general topic such as cancer survivorship. Support groups are not always led by a trained counselor. Often, members of the group organize and lead these groups as a way to connect with and learn from others who are managing similar challenges. Survivors are often referred to support groups by their health care teams.