#6 Sara Lister: The Emotional Reality of Cancer Care - Why Kindness Matters

Jayne invites Sara Lister, an Oncology Psychotherapist within the NHS, to share her remarkable journey from oncology nursing into psychotherapy, and to explore the emotional realities of working in cancer care. Drawing on decades of experience supporting both patients and healthcare professionals across many different organisations, Sarah offers powerful insight into what it means to care for others in deeply challenging environments—and why that care can leave a lasting emotional impact.Together, they explore the often-unspoken emotional toll faced by healthcare professionals, especially in oncology, where grief, loss, and repeated exposure to distress can quietly build over time. Sara shares why the language around “compassion fatigue” and “resilience” can sometimes miss the bigger picture, focusing instead for greater honesty, systemic support, and a deeper understanding of the human impact of caregiving.This episode also challenges common misconceptions around staff wellbeing, highlighting how meaningful support goes far beyond one-off resilience training or wellbeing initiatives. Sara discusses the importance of protected spaces, compassionate leadership, practical support, and creating workplace cultures where staff feel safe to acknowledge when things are hard.At its heart, this conversation is about balance—how healthcare workers can hold space for sadness while also protecting hope, connection, and joy in their own lives. Insightful, thoughtful, and full of practical wisdom, this episode is essential listening for anyone working in healthcare, leadership or caregiving roles.Sara Lister - Oncology Psychotherapist RN, BSc (Hons), PGDAE, MA, MSc, MBACP (Accred.) ACC (Accred.)Connect with Sara here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-lister-1a761463/ https://www.instagram.com/saraelister/?__d=undefinedEF training exists because nobody should have to pour from an empty cup. Founded by Jayne Ellis who learnt the hard way so you don't have too.If today's conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, share and leave a review - it helps more professionals who care find this community.If you or someone you know would like to join the conversation and be a guest on our podcast, please get in touch. Connect with us at [email protected] us at http://eftraining.co.uk for more information about Jayne Ellis and learn about our Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Resilience Training for Organisations and Individuals.Please note: This podcast is intended for education and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or contact your GP. The views and options expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, values or position of EF training Ltd. Guest content is shared in the spirit of open conversation, learning and intended as a safe space for honest dialogue.