A BARROW therapist is supporting those dealing with cancer diagnosis through the practice of mindfulness.

David Faratian, a professional hypnotherapist and coach, has been teaching the mindfulness course since 2018 through the charity Cancer Care.

The course, which takes place online, is designed to help manage stress and anxiety caused by a cancer diagnosis.

"When it comes to cancer treatment there is usually one path which is the medical path, but my philosophy is based around the eastern philosophy of prevention and management", said Mr Faratian.

"It is not about curing cancer, it is about helping people managing their journey, their mind and their fears."

The therapist helps people learn how to rewire their anxiety and 'not to be influenced by it.' 

The Westmorland Gazette: David Faratian during a session.David Faratian during a session. (Image: Submitted)

He said: "The intention of this course is to train people to be able to notice negative thoughts they have around a cancer diagnosis or a medical appointment and show them how to reframe that experience in a way they can manage better.

"It is about being able to live in the moment and just observe your thoughts rather than to become a part of those thoughts - that is what mindfulness really is."

59-year-old David, from Kendal, got involved with Cancer Care when diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago.

He said: "Two years ago I explained my doctor that dealing with my psychological side of cancer was the hardest part - harder than anything physical - so they recommended a mindfulness course and hypnosis therapy."

"I had eight sessions with David Faratian and I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody. You have to find the strength to deal with these things within yourself and the mindfulness helps you find that strength. It can make a real difference to you."

David admitted that cancer is not a 'concern' anymore.

"You can come to terms with it and it is no longer dominating every waking hour - you simply find a way to accept it", he concluded.

On a basis of it being so useful for David, he continued doing therapy with Mr Faratian due to the positive results it has brought to him and his family. 

CancerCare Chief Executive Alison Stainthorpe said: "Now that we are back to normal, it is great to see that there is a still a place for ‘virtual’ therapy and it allows us to reach many more people who may live in isolated rural locations or may be unable to travel to one of our centres due to feeling poorly.

"David’s courses are always very popular and it is wonderful to see how much he is helping our clients in the online arena."