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  • My Doctor Suggested I Find a Therapist to Help Cope with My Cancer Diagnosis, What Should I Expect?

    When you are facing a cancer diagnosis priorities and day to day life changes seemingly overnight. During this time it is common to experience strong emotional responses to the unexpected changes such as grief, fear– and the host of other reactions you experience when you hear cancer.  This is why it is not uncommon for cancer care teams to advise people to consider their mental health as a component of their overall treatment plan. 

    Why Would You Benefit from a Therapist on Your Cancer Care Team?

    When you get a cancer diagnosis the range of emotions are overwhelming. From shock and sadness, to fear and anger, the intense emotions can easily dominate coping. While it is important to acknowledge those difficult feelings when you are facing cancer, or really any chronic illness, learning how to manage them encourages a healthier mental state to support your recovery journey.

    What to Expect When You Seek Counseling After A Cancer Diagnosis

    Your Therapist is There to Listen and Provide Evidence-based Support to Improve Your Cancer Journey

    One of the most immediate benefits of working with an experienced therapist is a confidential private space to express your honest feelings and reactions without judgment. Therapists who specialize in working with cancer patients, Psycho-Oncologists, are first and foremost a trusted confidant, whether working with patients or their caregivers. Your therapist will be an all-important sounding board, the one you tell your story to as you start to develop your own narrative about how cancer becomes a chapter in your life’s work. Therapists offer a calm space for you to share your fears about treatment and its potential outcomes; as well as ideas about adaptive, healthy coping strategies. They will listen to your grief about the life you were planning and the sadness that may accompany physical limitations and loss of control.

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    Tools to Manage Your Mental Health In the Face of a Cancer Diagnosis

    Once your therapist understands more about your ways of viewing the world and your unique challenges specific to your illness and treatment, they will be able to support your path to live aligned with your values and priorities. Each individual’s cancer experience is unique, so having a therapist identify the specific tools that work for you is an important step toward sustainable mental well-being. Some examples of adaptive tools might include communication strategies, mindfulness practices, journaling, meditation, reframing negative self-talk, exercise, and deep breathing. These practices may help you create resilience and peace when you are feeling anxious or scared and, as a result, can help improve the quality of your daily life. Psycho-oncology specialists are knowledgeable about local and national organizations and resources that might be supportive at different stages of the cancer treatment process and beyond. They can offer guidance about how and when to make use of cancer or non-cancer related education and support. 

    Help Identifying your Support System For Your Cancer Journey

    A key aspect of your healing journey is defined by the individuals supporting you. Specifically in the time following a recent diagnosis, many reevaluate their support system. Cancer can be scary; it always elicits a strong emotional response. Some people in your life will be well equipped to offer solid practical and/or emotional support; while others might disappear due to their own strong emotions and difficulty with uncertainty. Some will step up to be there in ways you never imagined. Your therapist will help you consider how to establish communication and relationship strategies to elicit the kinds of support you desire – even as it evolves with you. 

    Your therapist may also recommend a support group for you and your caregivers. Peer support groups can help provide a different perspective and give individuals a much needed sense of community when they are faced with the isolation a cancer diagnosis can bring. However, not all support groups are created equally; your therapist will help you navigate the myriad of cancer support options in the community and provide guidance about when to optimally engage with them.

    Your Emotional Well-Being Needs More Than Therapy

    It is important to remember that your mental health journey, as well as your cancer treatment process, are not solely managed in the doctor’s or therapist’s offices. Consider the things that help make your life full, bring you joy, and guide your mind to peace when you need it most. Remember that movement, being in nature, thoughtful nourishment, social interaction, music, and laughter, all help create healing and positive experiences. If anything, an increased focus on these gifts of life is essential for resilience and coping with cancer. Don’t forget to make time for the things that feed your mental wellness and be willing to creatively expand your ideas of fulfillment.

    You Are a Whole, Dynamic Person

    There is not one defined path for those living with the stressors of cancer– everyone’s experience is unique and nuanced. The important thing is that while navigating the ups and downs, you don’t let your mental health take a back seat on this ride. Remember that you are a whole, dynamic person– a body and a mind and a spirit, and all need to be nourished successfully and adaptively traverse your cancer journey.

    Chronic Illness and Cancer Therapists in the Denver Area  

    If you would like to talk to someone about your cancer or chronic illness diagnosis, reach out to the caring and experienced staff at Shift Healing. Fill out our Appointment Request Form to connect with for a free 15 minute consultation with any of our therapists. 

    Healing is a nonlinear path. We will compassionately partner with you in navigating your healing journey.