In-Person in Dereham, England
Online in Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom
I have been a psychotherapist and mental health coach for many years, and I now specialise almost exclusively in helping those with, or recovering from, cancer. It's a debilitating disease that I have experienced twice, so I know at first hand the effect it can have on the quality of life and particularly how it makes us feel -- either as a reaction to being diagnosed and undergoing treatment, or when in remission as a survivor, the fear of it recurring.
I can also help family members and close friends, who often feel helpless bystanders.
We have all experienced our feelings dominating what we think, and what we do. But heightened emotions stop us thinking clearly. And that can often lead us to feel out of control.
Unlike many therapists, I do not believe that the adverse effect on our thinking and our behaviour from a life-changing event like cancer is a dysfunctional flaw or a disorder that needs treatment. Typical reactions to cancer --anxiety, fear, stress and low mood -- are part of life. Why cancer often triggers is a range of reactions: shock and denial; Shock and denial that it is happening. Coping with fear, anxiety and panic can be difficult, particularly as mood swings may frequently change. Feelings of sadness may range from low moof to extreme depression.
Ultimately we know, at a rational level, that we are mortal. But we also have we also have a very strong instinct to survive. We want to live. And enjoy life. Cancer is not the death sentence it once was.
I can help you come to terms with the reality as well as the inevitable perceptions that may influence you. And I can help you to flourish, rather than just cope and survive.
Client Focus
Session Format: Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
Approach Description: Because cancer is a very varied condition and people's reactions are inevitably just as diverse, I utilise an eclectic blend of approaches, perspectives, techniques and strategies tailored to you, your background, the specific issue(s) that brings you here, past experience with that issue(s), and your expectations and outcome sought-- all firmly focused on how best to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee £65/ €75 /US$100 / CDN$135 / AUS$150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- 25%-50% reduced fees for those on low income benefits or a pension. Ask for details. I am also happy to offer much reduced fees for those willing to help with case studies of. cancer sufferers, family members of those affected by cancer, and those in remission)
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
John Castleford MA, MIAEB, FRAI
- Male
- Practicing Since 2008
Education: B.Ed in Multicultural Studies; BA(1st class Hons); MA Anthropology, (U Victoria, BC, Canada).
St Cross College, Oxford Univ.
Member, International Association of Evidence Based Psychotherapy.
Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute.
John Castleford Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Dereham, England
- Available Online for residents of Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom
- Online Therapy Details: Phone, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp
First, I offer a free no-obligation 30-minute initial consultation to ensure I fully understand your concerns and the story that led you to me. I outline possible ways we could proceed and explain what therapy can offer, and answer initial questions.
Sessions are held online via videolinks such as Zoom, FaceTime, and telephone. My approaches are eclectic which enables them to better fit your needs. My academic background in anthropology complements adopting the best elements of neuroscience and psychology that inform how our brains work, with the added perspective of how we evolved, and the wide range of cultural behaviour. For example, much contemporary therapy tends to focus just on the individual. I prefer to see us as integrated with family and community.
Don't just take my word for it. Here is what my clients have to say. Many of these are clients prior to my specialising in cancer. But anxiety, fear, stress, grief and low mood are not limited to cancer.
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"In a short amount of time, John has taught me new techniques that I'm using to get through a very challenging time. He has a different approach that gets right to dealing with memories and your perspective of yourself and the world. Highly recommended!!" (AK, USA)
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I've been speaking to John Castleford for a few weeks now. It has been so helpful for me and I couldn't have got through the past 6 weeks without his help. (BR, UK)
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"It has been so valuable to have John's support during what has been a very difficult, uncertain period in my life. Living with significant anxiety had been so frightening and challenging. The sessions with John have really helped me, not only to understand what is happening, but also to explore this and start to find ways that it can be overcome. I hope that I can start to live a life where anxiety doesn't always have the starring role. Thank you John!" (KK, UK)
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"I recently completed some counselling with John Castleford from Life-Minded, who I can’t thank enough. He has been wonderful and I am so grateful to him for his support. He has really helped me to take control back within my life and steady the waters, he has been like a lighthouse in the storms and helped to guide me through the troubled waters and create the reflective space that I needed to see things more clearly and make conscious steps towards changing my present and my future. I am eternally grateful to him and for Frontline19 for giving me the opportunity to undertake this counselling. Thank you with all my heart!" KJ (UK)
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"I didn't know that people like John do exist! One day I was hopeless, a total wreck, and from the 1st session I felt tremendously different, he LISTENS, he CARES. I am convinced that clients do come 1st to him. I really want to thank you for making me smile ! For opening my eyes to things I didn't see and, most importantly, not judging me ! And I know the rest is yet to come so "Thank You!" (Nancy, Veterinarian)
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"Regarding our Frontline19 sessions I found them lifesaving and I was very happy with them. They were one of the best experiences ever helping me come back on track. You helped me to reach back the normality and then go forward choosing new challenges. Some sad moments came back to me with the death of my cousin in my family town but I knew how to deal with them. I am so pleased and grateful to have the opportunity to meet you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart." (RC UK)
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"I had been doing regular CTB therapy for 6 months with no expressive results, 2 sessions with John helped so much! Thank you !" (João, Brasil)
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"John was there for me when I was having a difficult time. His sessions were non-judgemental and a safe space that was created around me and my needs. I appreciated his giving me the time to reflect on things and develop strategies to deal with them in the long term. I found comfort in his relaxed nature and added humour. Thank you!" RF (UK)
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"John was very easy to talk to, I was a little worried with the appointments being over the phone but he very quickly put me at ease and we chatted comfortably. He was able to help me put things back into perspective, challenge my thinking, and re-ground myself after a difficult few months. He also offered some strategies that I had not used before to "fast forward" when I found myself stuck." (AP, UK)