Palliative Care Counselling & Communication Coaching
Palliative Care Counselling in
Somerset West
​Support for Patients, Families & Healthcare Professionals
Living with a life-limiting or chronic illness — or caring for someone who is — can be overwhelming. Whether you are adapting to a diagnosis, managing symptoms, navigating treatment decisions, or supporting a loved one, you do not have to face this alone.
With personal experience of chronic illness, extensive counselling work in medical environments, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care (University of Cape Town, 2025), I offer specialised palliative care counselling tailored to medical and home-based settings. I am also a member of The Association of Palliative Care Practitioners of South Africa (PALPRAC).
From 2026 onward, sessions can take place on-site (home, hospital, Hospice, retirement facilities) or online.
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What Does It Mean When Someone Goes Into Palliative Care?
When someone goes into palliative care, the focus of treatment shifts toward improving quality of life, relieving suffering, and supporting emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment or when treatment is no longer effective.
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What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care meaning:
Palliative care is specialised medical and psychological support focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious or life-limiting illness. It addresses physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing, social concerns, and spiritual needs — while also supporting families.
Palliative care is often misunderstood as end-of-life care only. In reality, it is much broader. It can begin at diagnosis and run alongside active treatment.
“An approach that improves quality of life… through the prevention and relief of suffering… physical, psychosocial and spiritual.” — WHO, 2002
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Hospice and Palliative Care Meaning: What’s the Difference?
Although Hospice organisations increasingly integrate palliative principles, Hospice care is often reserved for patients who are terminally ill and have a limited life expectancy — particularly in the South African context where resources are constrained.
Palliative care, by contrast, can be provided from the point of diagnosis, regardless of prognosis, and may continue for months or years alongside medical treatment.
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Can You Receive Chemotherapy and Palliative Care at the Same Time?
Yes — in many cases, you can receive oncological treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and palliative care simultaneously.
If your oncology team already addresses symptom relief, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life, you may already be receiving palliative care principles within treatment. If not, adding parallel palliative care support can significantly improve day-to-day wellbeing.
Discuss your needs openly with your treating doctor to determine what level of support is appropriate.​
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If you’re still unsure whether this would feel like the right fit, you’re welcome to get a sense of how I usually begin and what a first conversation tends to look like.
Palliative Care Counselling: Emotional Support Where It’s Needed Most
Serious illness affects more than the body. It influences identity, relationships, decision-making, and emotional stability.
Palliative care counselling provides structured psychological support during times of uncertainty and change.
Counselling is available for:
• Patients living with serious or chronic illness
• Families and caregivers managing stress, overwhelm, or anticipatory grief
• Individuals adjusting to long-term health changes
• Those navigating complex treatment journeys
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If you are specifically seeking support for families of palliative care patients, you can learn more on my dedicated family support page.
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Counselling for Chronic Illness & Adjustment Challenges
Chronic illness affects far more than physical health. Counselling helps you adapt, cope, and find meaning while managing long-term symptoms, uncertainty, or a changing identity.
Support may include:
• Building psychological resilience
• Managing fear and health anxiety
• Communicating effectively with healthcare teams
• Integrating illness into daily life
• Preserving autonomy and dignity
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Working Within Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Teams
Palliative care is most effective when professionals collaborate.
I can work:
• Independently, alongside your existing medical team
• As part of a multidisciplinary team (each professional addressing different needs)
• Within an interdisciplinary team, collaborating toward shared care goals
Psychological support strengthens the overall treatment plan and enhances communication across disciplines.
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Communication Coaching for Healthcare Professionals
Strong communication is central to effective palliative care.
I provide counselling-informed communication coaching for professionals working in:
• Palliative Medicine
• Lifestyle Medicine
• General medical practice
• Nursing and allied health
• Emergency and acute care
• Community or primary care settings
Healthcare professionals learn practical psychological micro-skills that improve patient connection, reduce conflict, enhance adherence, and strengthen the overall care experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative Care
Does palliative care mean someone is dying?
Not necessarily. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and may be provided for months or years alongside active treatment.
What does terminal illness mean?
A terminal illness is a condition that cannot be cured and is expected to lead to death within a limited period. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life in such cases.
Is palliative care only for cancer?
No. Palliative care supports people living with many serious conditions, including heart failure, neurological disease, organ failure, and chronic illness.
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You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Whether you are a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, specialised palliative care counselling and communication coaching can provide clarity, emotional grounding, and sustainable coping.
If you are ready for professional support — online or on-site — I am here to help.
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Questions about lifestyle during or after cancer treatment are also addressed in the Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Patients and Survivors resource page.
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