A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and often brings up feelings of depression, grief, fear, sadness or anger. Navigating treatment options can be overwhelming and exhausting. Even in remission, cancer can cause lingering trauma, anxiety and depression. According to the NCBI, cancer survivors are twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues as adults who have never had cancer. Whether you are struggling to accept a recent diagnosis or trying to figure out what your life looks like post-cancer, a mental health expert can help. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s cancer specialists today.
Cancer is the reason I became a counselor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and in 2016 decided to go to graduate school to become a counselor so that I can serve fellow cancer survivors and terminally ill clients. I am not afraid to talk about pain, death, religion, sexuality, or whatever other issues come up as a result of a cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, and survivorship.
— Brandie Sellers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Timnath, COCertified oncology social worker. No one needs to face cancer alone & good medicine is not enough! 28 years in integrated cancer care using a person-centered, mindfulness-based approach. Honed expertise in supporting people in all phases of cancer - in treatment, post-treatment survivorship, end of life. Other serious & chronic illnesses, eg. cystic fibrosis, HIV, autoimmune diseases, dialysis, cardiac conditions, and those thriving after organ transplantation.
— Thomas J. Pier, Therapist in Los Angeles, CAI work with cancer patients in treatment and after to process the trauma of diagnosis and treatment. This work often includes helping clients explore the existential concerns of death, freedom, isolation, and meaning, which often come as a result of having cancer. Other aspects of treatment might include: body image, sexual concerns, family dynamics, and trauma. I also work with couples and families, as cancer is a family disease.
— Brandie Sellers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Timnath, COI completed my entire counseling training working within the cancer/chronic illness field and continue to do so. I am passionate about helping clients discover ways to regain control and feel "patient active" after a serious diagnosis.
— Jill Gray, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in St. Petersburg, FLMy wife was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer when she was 35 weeks pregnant with our second child and is now thankfully in remission. I was her primary caregiver throughout her treatment/recovery and was able to help her process her trauma and access Post-Traumatic Growth. This first-hand lived experience allows me to understand and empathize with the unique mental health challenges cancer poses for patients, caregivers and their families.
— Matt McDavid, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southampton, NYMost family members I have lost have been to Cancer- including my teenage son in 2005. I have extensive experience as a loved one as well as a continued fascination with the evolution of treatment. The idea- as with other medical dilemmas, is to get to the point that Cancer is a chronic disease when not curable. And we are getting there! Still, this diagnosis provides ample opportunity for existential exploration as well as some good grief work.
— christine loeb, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encino, CAI have clinical experience working through emotions with cancer pay and their loved ones who support them. We have worked through everything from anxiety, depression, different grief and losses. I am a cancer survivor so I can empathize deeply and understand. Cancer can be a trauma so many emotions come up for clients.
— Jessica Dulin, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Mission Viejo, CAPsycho-oncology has been part of my identity since my training years. In addition to being a part of the Stress & Immunity Breast Cancer Project at Ohio State, my dissertation work explored the role of meaning in life in the relationship between the physical and psychological aftermath of gynecologic cancer and depression and anxiety. I also completed a major internship rotation at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and completed the first decade of my postgraduate career at a Cancer Center.
— Dr. Laura Simonelli, Psychologist in Harleysville, PAI am a cancer survivor and understand the emotional and physical challenges.
— Susan Radzilowski, Clinical Social Worker in Farmington Hills, MIA major medical diagnosis such as cancer can be life altering. I specialize in using a somatic approach to address the physcial and psychological impacts cancer can create. Genlte movements can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fear while promoting recovery and increasing energy.
— Kimberly Panko, Licensed Professional Counselor in ,Cancer Support: Compassionate Guidance: As someone who understands the emotional and physical toll of cancer, I provide empathetic support to individuals and their loved ones. Coping Strategies: Learn effective coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, grief, and uncertainty during cancer treatment. Navigating Transitions: Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in remission, or dealing with survivorship, I’m here to help you navigate the journey.
— Elysia Bronson, Counselor in Abbotsford, BC, Canada,Cancer is a scary diagnosis; you don’t have to go through it alone. You’re anxious, scared, praying, and pleading that it’s nothing. When you get that call from the doctor, your world starts spinning, and you feel like your life’s been turned upside down. You want to be strong to go through your treatment, be strong for your loved ones, but who can you lean on? I've been both a patient and a caregiver, so I understand what it's like beyond the clinical experience.
— Robyn Sheiniuk, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles, CATalya has experience supporting people with high cancer risk or those affected by cancer, including those with BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic mutations.
— Talya Rozenberg, Therapist in Seattle, WAAssistance with all issues related to coping with a cancer diagnosis including family support.
— Karen Bergsma, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Park Ridge, ILWhen you receive a cancer diagnosis your life goes down an unchosen path. Decisions need to be made, emotions can be overwhelming, so learning to navigate the medical system, processing intense emotions and finding healthy strategies to cope with this most challenging time will be part of the therapy process.
— Suzanne Conversano, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, COIf your friends and family don't understand what you're going through, can't handle the emotions you cycle through, or are afraid to have hard conversations, I got you. As a cancer survivor (Hodgkin's Lymphoma, stage 3b), I am not afraid to go there with with you. Although there may be nothing that we can "fix," in the therapeutic space you are in control.
— Amber Baker, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Asheville, NC