As a survivor of Multiple Myeloma, Peter Rivkees truly understands understand the significance cancer has in your life. Intimately. And not just your life, but the lives of your family, friends, work colleagues, and relatives. When you are a person with cancer, you look at the world differently. Cancer can strain relationships inside and outside of your family. Grief and the potential for death are not the only items of the list of concerns. Cancer counseling can be an essential piece of your support plan.
We offer counseling to patients, as well as their loved ones, and do our best to make a difficult time manageable. We don’t just discuss feelings about cancer, but about
- Depression and anxiety
- Changes in employment
- Feelings of guilt and loss of control
- Financial concerns
- Anger and sadness
- Physical changes in appearance
- Sexual and psychological concerns
These are just some of the issues people with cancer may face, and that many of us do not feel comfortable sharing. But sharing helps.
Speaking from Experience
I speak openly about my own issues and experience with cancer, and I will encourage you to do the same. As a counselor who has had a cancer journey, I know it helps to speak with someone who has walked your same road and faced your same issues.
Cancer and its treatment can be overwhelming and everyone has different emotions. Please know that there are no right or wrong responses. Many people find it easier to cope with a new or existing diagnosis when they are given additional support. Click here to read more about me.
Caring for a Family Member with Cancer
If you are a family member or loved one has cancer, we understand the impact it may have on you. We can help you understand the special needs of a person with cancer and suggest ways to interact, provide support and help you with your own concerns. It is both helpful and comforting to work with someone who has experienced the emotional rollercoaster and can help you live a life of understanding and realistic expectations.
At times, caregivers are faced with an overwhelming task when caring a loved one. Sometimes, caregivers may not be able to understand the needs of the person with cancer or may fail to recognize the impact of stress and depression. Many caregivers simply do not understand the importance for mental health support for the cancer patient. We can help them avoid burnout by identifying your major stressors and create a personal plan to care for their loved one.
Cancer can be especially scary for children if a parent or loved relative or family friend has been given a diagnosis. We can help you to communicate with your children in a supportive and truthful way.
Navigating Your Feelings About Your Situation
There is no road map of how to deal with a huge emotional change in your life. Emotions are very personal and people with cancer often feel very differently than they behave in front of others.
We also understand that thoughts of self-harm are common for people with cancer as a way to potentially maintain a sense of control over your life-threatening disease. Some of these feelings may even appear rational but can be addressed with a calm and measured approach.
The Enemies of Emotional Survival
Depression and anxiety may lead to non-compliance of treatment and a lower quality of life. Reducing your depression may help to help increase your survival. Many people with cancer use medication to help with their stress, and we would provide a referral to a qualified professional for evaluation and possible addition of anti-depressant medication if necessary. Reducing stress is vital, and has been shown to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Reach out
Give me a call to make your first appointment, or just fill out the contact form and click Send. Click here to read more about concierge online therapy sessions.
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