Coping Cancer Together

Psychotherapy for Cancer Patients and their Caregivers 

Going through cancer myself left me with broad experience, knowledge, and wisdom which I frequently use working together with cancer patients and their loved ones. The path through the diagnosis, treatment, and beyond is challenging and unique for each of us. I will be there to help you navigate your life through this challenging time.

Coping with Cancer – The Emotional Effects

 A patient who is first diagnosed with cancer is usually overwhelmed and frightened. One may experience feelings of sadness, confusion, worry, and anger. Various aspects of the patient’s psychological and social wellbeing are impacted, and a patient’s relationship with family and friends may be affected. These challenges may lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and it is therefore important to find ways to address those feelings. Psychotherapy can assist the patient to better cope with the side effects and the pain that evolves from treatment. It may also help the patient and his family better deal with and express these common feelings, as well as provide a safe place to discuss their concerns.

Most cancer patients have to grieve the loss of their previous lifestyle, learn to accept their new reality, and make the most of their new situation. Many will gain new perception and re-assess their priorities in life. The process of living with cancer is a life-changing experience that leads the patient to re-examine his core values and passions and motivates him to pursue new goals of great personal importance.

Services

Newly Diagnosed

• A safe place to deal with the emotional impact, worry, and fear
  
• Working on addressing feelings of depression, guilt and self-doubt
• Openly discussing the effects and the impact of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
• Developing skills to assist with the side effects of treatment
• Strategies to manage the stress and pain

Support for caregivers 

• Dealing with feelings of lack of control, anxiety and stress
• Addressing new obligations and loss of previous lifestyle
• Helping to gain a new perspective and deal with the new challenges in a healthy manner

Beyond Treatment 

• Going through the process of grieving the loss of the old self and accepting the new self
• Living with the uncertainty of long term survival
• Adapting to the physical changes and limitations
• Addressing challenges related to intimacy, reproduction, and employment
• Addressing feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations