Support Through Terminal Illness
A terminal illness affects more than the person who has received the diagnosis. It can affect partners, children, parents, siblings, close friends, and the wider family system. Alongside medical care and practical decisions, there is often a deep emotional impact that can be hard to carry alone.
A Terminal Illness Diagnosis
A terminal illness affects more than the person who has received the diagnosis. There is often a deep emotional impact for individuals and families that can be hard to carry alone
Support can help create space for fear, sadness, uncertainty, grief, relationship strain, and the many emotions that can arise when life changes in profound ways.
Family Support Through Terminal Illness
A structured program for families navigating terminal illness.
When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, families need support. This program blends family and individual counselling, creative legacy-building, and practical resources.
- 3 x 90-minute family counselling sessions
- 1 x 60-minute individual session per family member (up to 4)
- Custom family legacy project (memory book, letters, art)
- Resource kit and follow-up check-in
Processing Terminal Illness
Support during terminal illness can be helpful when you are:
You do not need to be in crisis to seek support. Many people benefit from having a calm, steady space to talk, reflect, and feel less alone.
Who may benefit from Counselling?
Support through Terminal Illness counselling is available for adults, teenagers 14+, couples, and families navigating terminal illness. This support can help create space for fear, sadness, uncertainty, grief, relationship strain, and the many emotions that can arise when facing a life altering diagnosis.
“The diagnosis of a terminal or life-altering illness or injury sends ripples through every aspect of your life.”
Receiving a serious diagnosis or experiencing a life-changing injury can trigger a complex grieving process for what has been lost and what is to come. This journey can feel incredibly isolating for both the person who is ill and their loved ones.
Our experienced counsellors are here to support you as you:
- Process the emotional impact of your diagnosis or injury.
- Navigate feelings of grief, fear, and loss of control.
- Develop strategies for managing stress and communicating with loved ones.
- Explore ways to find meaning, hope, and quality of life amidst the challenges.
We provide calm, empathetic support as you adjust to your new reality. We are here to help you and your family cope with the journey ahead with strength and dignity.
What to expect in Counselling Sessions
We work in a gentle, respectful, and person-centred way. Our role is to provide a calm and grounded space where people can speak honestly about what they are facing, without pressure or judgement.
Depending on your needs, sessions may draw from:
- Narrative Therapy
- Dignity Therapy
- Creative Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Why choose to work with The Beach Haven:
- Expert grief training under David Kessler
- Internationally trained in end-of-life support
- Direct end-of-life support experience with Hospice
- Experienced in legacy and meaning making work
Support for the whole family
For the Person who is unwell
For Partners and Family Members
Loved ones are often trying to stay strong, manage practical responsibilities, and cope with their grief at the same time. Counselling offers a space to:
For Families with Children
When a family is facing terminal illness, children often sense that something significant is happening, even when adults are trying to protect them. Families may need support to talk about illness in age-appropriate ways, respond to questions, and manage the emotional impact.
Family counselling can provide a supportive space to strengthen communication, reduce confusion, and help each family member feel more held during a very difficult time
Family-based interventions reduce complicated grief
Up to 80% of families facing terminal illness experience significant anticipatory grief, yet less than 30% receive structured support
Australians die each year - most after a period of chronic or terminal illness
Receive structured psychosocial support during a loved one’s terminal illness
Of families with a terminally ill member experience significant anticipatory grief
Family Support Through Terminal Illness
A structured program for families navigating terminal illness.
When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, families need support. This program blends family and individual counselling, creative legacy-building, and practical resources.
- 3 x 90-minute family counselling sessions
- 1 x 60-minute individual session per family member (up to 4)
- Custom family legacy project (memory book, letters, art)
- Resource kit and follow-up check-in
What Does the Program Include?
- 3 x 90-minute Family Counselling Sessions. Guided conversations to explore shared grief, improve communication, and plan meaningful legacy activities.
- Family Legacy Project. Collaborative creation of a memory book, legacy stories or letters, video diary, or other creative keepsakes.
- 1 x 60-minute Individual Session per Family Member. Personalised support for each person to process their unique feelings and needs.
- Resource Kit. Take-home worksheets, recommended reading, practical tools and a follow-up call for ongoing support.
What to expect on the Program?
- Free initial consultation: Meet Tracy, ask questions, and see if the program is right for your family.
- Intake and goal-setting: Complete intake forms and identify your family’s hopes and needs.
- Family and individual sessions: Attend scheduled sessions at your own pace, with flexibility for your circumstances.
- Legacy project: Create a meaningful keepsake together, guided by creative prompts and support.
- Aftercare: Receive ongoing support, resources, and a follow-up check-in after the program ends
How do we know if this program is right for us?
If your family is facing a terminal diagnosis and looking for support to navigate emotions, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories, then this program could be ideal for you.
If you feel unsure, or have specific questions you would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out via email, phone or via our free 15-minute introductory call that can be scheduled via our online booking system.
Can children attend counselling sessions?
Yes, children are an important part of our program. We work individually with teenagers aged 14 and over, and support children of any age as part of the program’s family counselling sessions.
Is this program available online?
Yes. Online sessions are available families unable to attend in-person, including families in rural WA and across Australia.
What if our family is larger than four people
That is no problem, the supporting families through terminal illness program is completely flexible and can be tailored to your families needs. Please reach out to us to discuss options and costs.
How much does the program cost?
The full program (for up to 4 family members) is $1,250, including all sessions, resources, and follow-up. Discounts are available for those with a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Individuals • Couples • Families
Support For Every Type of Loss
Grief can affect every part of life. It may follow the death of someone close, but it can also come with divorce, illness, miscarriage, infertility, job loss, changes in identity, or other major life transitions. We support clients with every type of loss.
