If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness, you are likely overwhelmed by a seemingly endless list of questions. How did this happen? What should I do? Why am I so angry? While those around you may encourage you to remain positive, you may feel like you don’t have the meaningful, authentic support of someone who understands the painful situation you’re in.
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Cancer is one of the most common illnesses, but it’s nevertheless an isolating and devastating diagnosis. It is entirely understandable—and normal—if you are feeling sad, angry, and hopeless in the face of a life-altering diagnosis.
Unfortunately, those without this experience often cannot provide meaningful support or inadvertently cause more pain. They may focus on how certain individual choices—like diet, drinking, and stress—increase the likelihood of cancer, causing us to feel somehow responsible for the diagnosis. And many times, our loved ones feel like they have the answer about what we need to do in terms of treatment. The reality is that we do not need to be “perfect” patients. No study exists that can tell you how to treat your illness in a way that seamlessly aligns with your unique perspective, values, and goals. You are ultimately the expert on how you want to integrate this cancer diagnosis and the role of “patient” into your life—and counseling can provide invaluable support along the way. |
It’s natural to want to push away difficult emotions and try to hang onto the pleasant ones, but doing either will result in suffering. Therapy is an opportunity to fully experience all of these emotions without feeling the need to blame ourselves or others. And we may even find that more joy and happiness are possible when facing serious illness.
I make counseling available not just to patients themselves but to any adult impacted by a serious illness or cancer diagnosis, including partners, family members, and caregivers, including physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals treating those with serious illness. Today, the healthcare professionals who are simply trying to serve patients are exposed to increased stress—at times, rising to the seriousness of trauma. Therapy is a safe, supportive place to explore your experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive support in dealing with the difficult emotions and questions related to your profession. Whether you’re a patient or caretaker, using creative, value-driven approaches, I will guide you in the process of figuring out which questions are most meaningful at the moment and how to answer them. |
Listening To Cancer
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If cancer has affected your life as a patient, partner, or caregiver, counseling can offer meaningful emotional support and healing. Contact me to schedule a free consultation.
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![]() McCormick Counseling, Coaching and Consulting 728 York Street Denver, CO 80206 400 N. 1st St, Suite 605 Minneapolis, MN 55401 507-400-2778 |