Newly diagnosed with cancer? First time or Recurrent? How Cancer Counseling Can Help
When someone walks into my office with the news that they’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, I can see the weight of the world on their shoulders. A new cancer diagnosis often feels like a tidal wave that’s crashed into your life and is sweeping away everything that once felt solid and secure. It’s a moment that changes everything—your plans, your sense of self, your future. As a Denver cancer therapist, I’ve had the honor of guiding many individuals through this initial stage, helping them find their footing amidst the uncertainty.
The Initial Shock: It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed
The first thing I always want to convey to someone newly diagnosed with cancer is that whatever they’re feeling or not feeling makes sense. There is no guidebook for your body, mind, or heart when receiving a cancer diagnosis and going through trauma. Shock, disbelief, anger, fear, numbness—these are all natural reactions to such life-altering news. There’s no “right” way to respond, and it’s important to understand that when trauma occurs, the body and mind will engage in whatever response helps them feel most safe. Often, I’ll encourage my clients to focus on self-kindness, and getting basic needs met during this time. It’s just one step at a time. This diagnosis is a lot to process, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Finding Your Own Way to Cope
Everyone is different, and what helps one person might not resonate with another. In our therapy sessions, I’ll help you explore different coping strategies so we can identify ways that work best for you. This might include talking openly about your fears, journaling, practicing mindfulness, incorporating self-compassion, or finding solace in creative outlets like nature, art or music.
Coping also means allowing yourself to not be okay for a while—to cry, to vent, to express anger or sadness. Other times, it might involve seeking out information, connecting with support groups of peers, or simply focusing on one day at a time. Whatever your path, I’m here to support you in finding what feels right for you.
Navigating Conversations with Loved Ones
A new cancer diagnosis often brings with it a cascade of difficult conversations. Telling family, friends, and colleagues can be incredibly challenging. There’s the fear of their reactions, the worry about being a burden, and the overwhelming nature of having to repeat the news over and over. In therapy, we can talk through these conversations, practicing how to communicate your needs and boundaries clearly.
I often remind my clients that it’s okay to ask for what they need, whether that’s space, help, or simply someone to listen. It’s also okay to set boundaries around how much you want to share and when. Your emotional well-being is a priority, and it’s important to protect your energy during this time.
Balancing Information and Overload
One of the challenges many people face after a diagnosis is the influx of information. There’s so much to learn about treatment options, potential outcomes, and medical jargon. While it’s essential to be informed, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed. In therapy, we can work together to find your balance between staying informed and protecting yourself from information overload.
Sometimes, it’s helpful to designate a loved one as your point person for gathering and organizing information. Other times, it might be about taking breaks from research and focusing on activities that bring you comfort and joy. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time.
Allowing Yourself to Hope
Hope can feel fragile after a cancer diagnosis, but it’s something I believe is crucial to hold onto. Hope doesn’t necessarily mean believing everything will be okay, but rather, it’s about finding moments of light even in dark times. It might be hope for a good day, hope for connection with loved ones, or hope for a treatment that helps manage symptoms and quality of life. In our work together, I encourage you to define what hope looks like for you and to nurture it as part of your journey.
The Importance of Support
No one should have to go through a cancer diagnosis alone. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or leaning on friends and family, having a support system is invaluable and research shows that it affects overall survival. In our sessions, we can explore who in your life you feel comfortable leaning on, and how to communicate your needs to them.
I also want you to know that as your cancer therapist, I’m here to support you every step of the way. In therapy, I’ll help you focus on the present, on taking things one step at a time. Together, we can break down this journey into manageable pieces and process it. My role is to listen, to guide, and to help you find your strength even when things feel uncertain.
If you think I could be a good fit for you at this time, I invite you to learn more about my approach to Cancer Counseling, or Book a Session with me when you feel ready. I look forward to connecting.