My Special Interest-Oncology Counseling:

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My practice will entail addressing the personal/psychological/emotional needs of oncology patients by:

• Having the personal experience of being a cancer survivor, wanting to “give back” and enjoying the satisfaction of helping

• Employing present general counseling evidence based theories and strategies, yet “coning down” to the specific issues of an oncology patient

• Knowing that all clients will need help on a personal and emotional level to some extent with this life altering experience

• Recognizing and working with the client on the resultant physical impairment, limitations, and disabilities; how they impact the clients psychological, emotional, and social life

• Individualizing therapy for each client and family member

• Helping clients and families to cope with the diagnosis and working in the present with planning for the future

• Paying attention to the client’s medical, social, and financial support systems

• Understanding how cancer can impact the client’s mental health

• Adapting counseling specific to age related problems

• Detecting how the effects of cancer and the treatment of cancer can carry distinct mental disturbances

• Sensing when a client is ready and receptive to counseling

• Picking out and sorting out all of the various life stressors, physical, personal, and social

• Assisting in the building of existing skills and finding new areas of client development

• Counseling to improve overall recovery, physical and mental health

• Searching for resource and support systems to meet client needs, since different stages of the illness, treatment, and recovery dictates adaptable counseling

• Incorporating all of the positive life style changes that a client can make, giving them a healthier life and keeping them pro-active

• Preventing stagnation and moving toward progress and development, despite the illness

The stresses of living with a diagnosis of cancer can be a daily struggle, both physically and psychologically. Depression, anxiety, dependency, vulnerability, guilt, sadness, anger, grief, embarrassment, rejection, mood disturbances, fear of recurrence or further physical damage are what many cancer survivors live with on a day to day basis. And always the fear of death from the cancer is what a client lives with. Such issues come isolated, but usually are multiple. These conflicts may grow and adversely affect a client’s life. This is why counseling is so necessary. I believe that the mental needs of a client are as significant as their physical needs. Often the physical wounds of surgical and medical treatments heal, but scars can result. Often the client wears these scars on the outside, but all the time on the inside.

My approach is to learn what opportunities are now closed because of a diagnosis of cancer, and help the client to see for themselves what new doors are open to them. Counseling gives the client a non-bias outlook on one’s self that sometimes friends and family cannot accomplish.

With some cancer patients, death and dying may be a reality, with no hope of recovery. There is an adaptation of psychotherapy to a more existential and humanistic position. Behavioral approaches are often employed. The individual circumstances and special needs are addressed. Assisting in resolving some conflicts or life regrets is essential. It is a time limited and time focused therapy. Careful coordination with other family and para-professionals is required. The most stable person can be in despair and anguish when facing death.

 Some patients may exhibit depression, anxiety, anger, denial, loneliness, regression, alienation or withdrawal. There is much emotional interaction. Flexibility, self-actualization, and life context are important in this stage of counseling.

Counseling a dying client in different age groups requires an understanding of how the complexities change and vary, and may be age dependent in client reactions and therapeutic modalities. I understand that pre-existing emotional/mental issues may exacerbate at this critical time. Spirituality may be needed as part of counseling, but is never imposed upon the client. Dignity is a high priority. The client will need help focusing on whatever qualities of life that remain. Clients may also need support in their final decision making. Ritualistic behaviors are well founded and shared with the therapist.

Oncology counseling is necessary for loved ones of the deceased. The emotional reactions are quite similar to the emotions experienced by the dying patient. As with a dying patient, grieving clients do not always follow an orderly and stepwise progression of denial through acceptance. Special situations are understood and ritualistic therapy is offered and discussed.