How can therapy help me?
A cancer diagnosis can leave people with a bewildering range of intense emotions to sort through: from feeling scared, angry, and stressed to feelings of hope, optimism, connection and gratitude. And maybe all of those on the same day!
I specialize in helping people through all stages of a cancer diagnosis, as well as the loved ones in their lives. A session with me can include:
- Skill-building and support to cope with anxiety, depression, fear, and other intense emotions
- Mindfulness and meditation to promote relaxation, stress-reduction, improved cognitive function, reduced depression, self-compassion, and well-being
- Guided Imagery to increase the positive outcomes of treatment and healing
- Stress Management and Reduction to create the optimal environment in your body for healing
- Creating an individualized plan for your optimal healing and well-being
- Spirituality and Meaning Making: I can guide you in answering the questions, “What changes do I need to make in my life?”
What is therapy going to be like?
Below are some examples of common issues and emotions that we can work through at various stages of your cancer journey:
Newly diagnosed – If you were recently told that you have cancer, your mind and emotions are probably swirling. Right now, just take a deep breath. First and foremost, our sessions together are a safe place for you to JUST BE. As your therapist, I will listen to you without judgement or expectations. I will support you with strategies for coping with the intense emotions, techniques in stress management, and the tools to create an individualized plan for your optimal healing and well-being. We will work together so that you can face your cancer journey from a place of joy and love, instead of fear.
Survivorship – Are you in remission or on maintenance treatments? This time may seem like a cause for celebration, but people very often find themselves feeling depressed, anxious, and vulnerable months or even years after their diagnosis. You may worry that your cancer will come back, or you may still be suffering from the side effects of treatment. People with cancer can even suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), (Insert link to Cancer.net PTSD article) where follow-up visits with your doctor, the anniversary of your diagnosis, or certain sights, smells, or even a common cold can trigger fear and anxiety.
The people in your life may expect you to be “back to normal,” but the truth is you are not the same person that you were before you had cancer! I am incredibly passionate about “Survivorship” because this is when you get to take everything you learned and experienced on your cancer journey and use it to lay the foundation for your new life.
Together, we can answer the question, “What message does your cancer have for you?” I believe that the message of cancer is always a message of love. I believe that cancer is a message to stop doing the things that bring you pain, and start doing the things that bring you joy – things that are more in line with who you are and what you want your life to become.
Caregivers, Family Members and Friends –
End-of-Life – I have a strong belief that the term “Healing” does not necessarily mean being “Cured.” If you or your loved one are facing a terminal diagnosis, we will work towards a deliberate, meaningful approach
- End-of-Life issues, loss of a loved one, Grief
- Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Fear, Confusion, Stress
- Sense of purpose,
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