Palliative Care Counselling & Communication Coaching
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 don’t 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 compassionate support tailored to palliative care 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.
What is Palliative Care really?
Palliative care is often misunderstood as end-of-life care only. In reality, it is much broader.
While many treatments focus on future improvement, sometimes at the expense of present well-being, palliative care aims to improve quality of life now. It is holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs — for both patients and their families.
“An approach that improves quality of life… through the prevention and relief of suffering… physical, psychosocial and spiritual.” — WHO, 2002
Emotional support is essential, and counselling can be provided individually or as part of an interdisciplinary team.
A question often asked, is: I'm receiving oncological (chemotherapy/ radiotherapy/ surgery etc.) therapy or treatment, should I also receive palliative care?
There isn't one answer and it will differ from situation to situation. You might be fortunate to have an oncologist (or oncology team) that not only focuses on future outcomes but also successfully tend to your immediate needs and quality of life - addressing all areas of well-being, i.e. in essence providing you with palliative care at the same time. If that is the case, you don't need parallel care. If this is not the case, you should consider your needs with your treating doctor. If he/she can't provide in these needs, it might be very valuable to source palliative care parallel to your current treatment.
Palliative Care Counselling: Emotional Support Where It’s Needed Most
Counselling helps patients and families cope with the emotional impact of illness, uncertainty, and major life changes. Whether you are navigating a diagnosis, managing ongoing symptoms, adjusting to loss of independence, or caring for a loved one, sessions provide space for grounding, clarity, and support.
Counselling is available on-site or online for:
• patients living with serious or chronic illness
• families and caregivers managing stress, overwhelm, or anticipatory grief
• individuals adjusting to long-term health changes or complex medical journeys
Counselling for Chronic Illness & Adjustment Challenges
Where can I find online counselling for chronic illness support in South Africa?
Right here, at Beyond Borders Counselling, just a click away from establishing contact!
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 includes: building resilience, navigating treatment pathways, communicating with healthcare teams, and integrating illness into daily life without losing your sense of self.
Communication Coaching for Healthcare Professionals
Strong communication is central to clinical care — especially in emotionally charged fields. 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 enhance patient connection, reduce conflict, improve adherence, and strengthen the overall care experience. Coaching is available online or on-site.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Whether you’re a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, support can make a profound difference. Counselling and communication coaching offer space for clarity, emotional grounding, and sustainable coping.
If you’re ready for specialised support — online or on-site — I’m here to help.