Cancer Therapists in Toronto, ON
Chelsea Butler
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5V (Online Only)
I've supported individuals dealing with sexual and domestic violence, chronic illness, cancer, grief and loss, and parenting challenges, including perinatal issues.
Stressful and traumatic events can deeply affect your relationships, emotions, social life, thoughts, and overall well-being. You might long for how things used to be or want to regain control over your life and feelings. Stress and trauma can arise from various sources, such as illness, a new diagnosis, the death of a loved one, or losing a sense of your identity. You may also have faced childhood trauma or experienced traumatic events like sexual or domestic violence. These experiences can greatly disrupt your life, making it essential to seek additional support.
I've supported individuals dealing with sexual and domestic violence, chronic illness, cancer, grief and loss, and parenting challenges, including perinatal issues.
Stressful and traumatic events can deeply affect your relationships, emotions, social life, thoughts, and overall well-being. You might long for how things used to be or want to regain control over your life and feelings. Stress and trauma can arise from various sources, such as illness, a new diagnosis, the death of a loved one, or losing a sense of your identity. You may also have faced childhood trauma or experienced traumatic events like sexual or domestic violence. These experiences can greatly disrupt your life, making it essential to seek additional support.
I work with individuals in Ontario who are struggling with chronic pain and/or illness, cancer, emotional/narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and/or difficult life transitions.
Hello! I'm glad you're here! I believe that therapy should be a human experience where individuals feel supported in exploring vulnerable parts of themselves at their own pace and on their own terms. During our time together you can expect compassion, curiosity, lots of metaphors and a little bit of humour. Whatever you may be struggling with, I am here to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I offer sessions online, over the phone and in person in Barrie, Ontario
I work with individuals in Ontario who are struggling with chronic pain and/or illness, cancer, emotional/narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and/or difficult life transitions.
Hello! I'm glad you're here! I believe that therapy should be a human experience where individuals feel supported in exploring vulnerable parts of themselves at their own pace and on their own terms. During our time together you can expect compassion, curiosity, lots of metaphors and a little bit of humour. Whatever you may be struggling with, I am here to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I offer sessions online, over the phone and in person in Barrie, Ontario
Hello! I'm Ashley and I’m a registered social worker dedicated to providing compassionate support through life’s transitions. Whether you’re navigating changes in relationships, career paths, personal identity, or health; I’m here to provide support and help you navigate through life’s most difficult moments. With extensive experience working within the healthcare system, witnessing firsthand the sudden and often overwhelming challenges that many individuals & their families face. I’ve supported adults in various areas, such as grief & loss, cancer diagnoses & treatment, self-image, survivorship, chronic illness, stress & anxiety.
Hello! I'm Ashley and I’m a registered social worker dedicated to providing compassionate support through life’s transitions. Whether you’re navigating changes in relationships, career paths, personal identity, or health; I’m here to provide support and help you navigate through life’s most difficult moments. With extensive experience working within the healthcare system, witnessing firsthand the sudden and often overwhelming challenges that many individuals & their families face. I’ve supported adults in various areas, such as grief & loss, cancer diagnoses & treatment, self-image, survivorship, chronic illness, stress & anxiety.
Hi there, and welcome! I'm a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist who is passionate about providing research-informed therapy that is infused with compassion and care. I provide virtual therapy for adults across Ontario. I work with a variety of clinical issues spanning both mental and physical health. My areas of practice include anxiety (general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic attacks, phobias), depression, insomnia, trauma or PTSD, and coping with disease or illness (e.g., cancer, chronic pain). Additionally, I work in the areas of stress management and burnout, assertiveness training, and self-esteem.
Hi there, and welcome! I'm a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist who is passionate about providing research-informed therapy that is infused with compassion and care. I provide virtual therapy for adults across Ontario. I work with a variety of clinical issues spanning both mental and physical health. My areas of practice include anxiety (general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic attacks, phobias), depression, insomnia, trauma or PTSD, and coping with disease or illness (e.g., cancer, chronic pain). Additionally, I work in the areas of stress management and burnout, assertiveness training, and self-esteem.
I have 11 + years of working as a therapist in different settings, and I am also a breast cancer survivor.
I offer online therapy to women going through breast cancer, and to folks who experience anxiety, grief and loss, and depression. If you are a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, or you have finished treatment and looking for support, you may feel alone, overwhelmed and scared. You don't have to navigate this journey on your own. If you are a person who is experiencing social anxiety, grief and loss, or depression, you may feel terrified, hopeless, and stuck. You don't have to navigate this experience on your own.
I have 11 + years of working as a therapist in different settings, and I am also a breast cancer survivor.
I offer online therapy to women going through breast cancer, and to folks who experience anxiety, grief and loss, and depression. If you are a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, or you have finished treatment and looking for support, you may feel alone, overwhelmed and scared. You don't have to navigate this journey on your own. If you are a person who is experiencing social anxiety, grief and loss, or depression, you may feel terrified, hopeless, and stuck. You don't have to navigate this experience on your own.
Sahar also holds a master's degree in psychiatry from McGill University, where her research explored the psychosocial impacts of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, deepening her understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients.
Having served as a family physician in both emergency and rural clinics in Iran, Sahar has experience assisting patients coping with anxiety and depression within the realm of chronic illnesses, somatoform disorders, OCD, and trauma. In addition, she provided personalized counseling to newcomers dealing with adjustment challenges. Sahar integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, grounded in an anti-oppressive framework, while embracing a humanistic approach. She is also deeply interested in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, drawing on the insights of Lacan and Freud in her practice.
Sahar also holds a master's degree in psychiatry from McGill University, where her research explored the psychosocial impacts of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, deepening her understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients.
Having served as a family physician in both emergency and rural clinics in Iran, Sahar has experience assisting patients coping with anxiety and depression within the realm of chronic illnesses, somatoform disorders, OCD, and trauma. In addition, she provided personalized counseling to newcomers dealing with adjustment challenges. Sahar integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, grounded in an anti-oppressive framework, while embracing a humanistic approach. She is also deeply interested in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, drawing on the insights of Lacan and Freud in her practice.
Andrea Skitch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, EMDR, Yogi
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I help adults with autoimmune & cancer overcome clinical anxiety, depression, and phobias so you can heal your body, and elevate your relationships with a combination of modern psychology and ancient yoga practices.
I help adults with autoimmune & cancer overcome clinical anxiety, depression, and phobias so you can heal your body, and elevate your relationships with a combination of modern psychology and ancient yoga practices.
Chelsea Sherrington
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in supporting people impacted by chronic or life-threatening illness, including cancer, HIV, chronic pain, headache, chronic tension, IBD, IBS, and pelvic pain conditions.
I am a clinical and health psychologist with experience in a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and difficulty coping with stress. I have a particular focus on the intersection of physical and mental health, and support those dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness and grief, as well as those impacted by mood changes and difficulty coping around the time of pregnancy and early parenting. I aim to be a warm, dynamic, and engaging therapist, and use an integrative approach which draws on cognitive behavioural (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential, and relational approaches.
I specialize in supporting people impacted by chronic or life-threatening illness, including cancer, HIV, chronic pain, headache, chronic tension, IBD, IBS, and pelvic pain conditions.
I am a clinical and health psychologist with experience in a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and difficulty coping with stress. I have a particular focus on the intersection of physical and mental health, and support those dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness and grief, as well as those impacted by mood changes and difficulty coping around the time of pregnancy and early parenting. I aim to be a warm, dynamic, and engaging therapist, and use an integrative approach which draws on cognitive behavioural (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential, and relational approaches.
Dr Arden Corter, Balance Psychology and Wellness
PhD, C Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
I work in private practice and at Sunnybrook Hosital's Odette Cancer Centre. I specialize in working with adults who: are managing health-related conditions like cancer; want to make lifestyle changes; and/or want to improve their mood and reduce stress. Of course, physical health doesn't operate in a vacuum and is often affected by state of mind, social relationships, finances, work situations, past trauma, family life and intimate relationships. With this in mind, I work holistically to support people to manage life stressors, mental health diagnoses, relationship problems and more.
I work in private practice and at Sunnybrook Hosital's Odette Cancer Centre. I specialize in working with adults who: are managing health-related conditions like cancer; want to make lifestyle changes; and/or want to improve their mood and reduce stress. Of course, physical health doesn't operate in a vacuum and is often affected by state of mind, social relationships, finances, work situations, past trauma, family life and intimate relationships. With this in mind, I work holistically to support people to manage life stressors, mental health diagnoses, relationship problems and more.
Lauren Nancarrow Clarke
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
I am a cancer survivor.
Compassion. Challenge. Joy. Working together, we will co-create a place for you to build clarity and capacity in your life. You will be invited to gain more self-compassion and acceptance. We will use dialogue, curiosity and sensation awareness to increase your knowledge yourself and your patterns. My approach is warm, honest, playful, and embodied. It is important to me that you feel change through our work together and that it supports your ongoing wellness and vitality.
I am a cancer survivor.
Compassion. Challenge. Joy. Working together, we will co-create a place for you to build clarity and capacity in your life. You will be invited to gain more self-compassion and acceptance. We will use dialogue, curiosity and sensation awareness to increase your knowledge yourself and your patterns. My approach is warm, honest, playful, and embodied. It is important to me that you feel change through our work together and that it supports your ongoing wellness and vitality.
Additionally, as a cancer survivor myself, I have a passion for working with those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, and the grief it may bring.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I am a passionate and innovative therapist who believes that mental wellness is rooted in resilience and connection. I offer a nurturing environment where you are heard and understood without judgement. At the heart of my practice is the belief that every human being wants to do well and can do well with the right support. I am passionate about supporting families, and empowering children, young adults and caregivers from a strengths-based framework. I provide counselling from a holistic, client-centred approach and tailor treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs.
Additionally, as a cancer survivor myself, I have a passion for working with those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, and the grief it may bring.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I am a passionate and innovative therapist who believes that mental wellness is rooted in resilience and connection. I offer a nurturing environment where you are heard and understood without judgement. At the heart of my practice is the belief that every human being wants to do well and can do well with the right support. I am passionate about supporting families, and empowering children, young adults and caregivers from a strengths-based framework. I provide counselling from a holistic, client-centred approach and tailor treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs.
15 Second Videos
Jessica Campoli
Trish Sai-Chew
Amy Chen
Joshua Albert
Lynda Ceresne
Sara Gies
Angela Cowling
Compassion in Caregiving
Victoria (Cavaliere) Armas - Cavaliere Therapy Services
Simone Moir
Sara Nia
Strength Counselling Services
Jonathan Philip Morgan
Low Cost Redbird Therapy Centre
Al Kaibzhanov - Psychotherapist
The Design Your Life Centre
Francy Fang Wang
Laura Ditkofsky
Bryan Choi
Online & In-person Talk, Somatic & Sound Therapy.
Lee Sears Melamed
Talia Singer
Venita Ramtohul
Mat Dean
Julien Fortier
North Star Therapy
Julie Devaney
Michaele-Sue Goldblatt
Lisa Romano-Dwyer
Mihaela Poca | Emdr | Ifs | Mindfulness
Ping San Chi
Susan Leopold Studios
Anna Wesolinska
Aleksandra Drozd
Judy Gould
Lisa Newman
Myles Chisholm
Jenny Scott
Maggie Ma
Evguenia Cheinis | Relationship & Sex Therapy
Kiersty M. Xavier
Ann Schnurr
The Village Green Online Psychotherapy
Victoria Mata Therapy
Elaine Smookler
Toronto Wellness Counselling
Karen Lynn Goslin
Real-Talk Psychotherapy
Existential Therapy - David Taller
James Gangl
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. As a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist, I provide psychotherapy for adults with a broad range of presenting issues. These include anxiety, insomnia, depression, or managing challenging medical conditions such as cancer - and many others. I have 15+ years' experience, including 7 years as a staff psychologist at Credit Valley Hospital. While choosing a therapist with solid credentials is important, I also hope that my non-judgmental, casual style will quickly allow you to feel comfortable seeking help.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. As a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist, I provide psychotherapy for adults with a broad range of presenting issues. These include anxiety, insomnia, depression, or managing challenging medical conditions such as cancer - and many others. I have 15+ years' experience, including 7 years as a staff psychologist at Credit Valley Hospital. While choosing a therapist with solid credentials is important, I also hope that my non-judgmental, casual style will quickly allow you to feel comfortable seeking help.
I have experience working as an intern with patients suffering and dying from cancer and HIV.
It is my belief that for healing and growth to occur for someone seeking help, acceptance without judgement is crucial, recognizing and acknowledging the woundedness and unmet needs within the client. This perspective encompasses and acknowledges the entire person with whom I am working, including the physical, intellectual, emotional, interpersonal and spiritual well being of the client. No one seeking help is turned away due to the condition from which they are suffering. My goal for each client is to provide a safe, trusting space so that healing and growth can be experienced.
I have experience working as an intern with patients suffering and dying from cancer and HIV.
It is my belief that for healing and growth to occur for someone seeking help, acceptance without judgement is crucial, recognizing and acknowledging the woundedness and unmet needs within the client. This perspective encompasses and acknowledges the entire person with whom I am working, including the physical, intellectual, emotional, interpersonal and spiritual well being of the client. No one seeking help is turned away due to the condition from which they are suffering. My goal for each client is to provide a safe, trusting space so that healing and growth can be experienced.
Rhea Plosker MASc, MC, RSW, RP
Registered Social Worker, MC, MASc, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4S (Online Only)
I have additional training and experience in psychosocial supports for people living with Cancer and their loved ones.
Are you experiencing transition or uncertainty, living with high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression, or navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment? I offer online counselling to adults with an emphasis on practical, evidence-based approaches that you can immediately apply in your life and work. I also offer the well-known Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programs, and other mindfulness programs in a private format, customized for your individual needs and schedule constraints.
I have additional training and experience in psychosocial supports for people living with Cancer and their loved ones.
Are you experiencing transition or uncertainty, living with high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression, or navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment? I offer online counselling to adults with an emphasis on practical, evidence-based approaches that you can immediately apply in your life and work. I also offer the well-known Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programs, and other mindfulness programs in a private format, customized for your individual needs and schedule constraints.
I am uniquely skilled in supporting caregiver burnout - that's the mental, emotional & physical exhaustion you feel from the huge responsibility of caring for a loved one suffering with cancer, disability, or other health issues.
You may feel that no matter what you do, it's not enough. You carry a huge weight on your shoulders, which can be overwhelming. It takes courage to face the pain and grief of life's challenges. In my work as an arts-based psychotherapist, I am witness to my clients' courage and resilience on a daily basis. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore one's heart and uncover hidden strengths and resources together. My approach is collaborative, person-centred and trauma-informed. I have worked for over fifteen years supporting clients experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, family conflict, trauma, and disability.
I am uniquely skilled in supporting caregiver burnout - that's the mental, emotional & physical exhaustion you feel from the huge responsibility of caring for a loved one suffering with cancer, disability, or other health issues.
You may feel that no matter what you do, it's not enough. You carry a huge weight on your shoulders, which can be overwhelming. It takes courage to face the pain and grief of life's challenges. In my work as an arts-based psychotherapist, I am witness to my clients' courage and resilience on a daily basis. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore one's heart and uncover hidden strengths and resources together. My approach is collaborative, person-centred and trauma-informed. I have worked for over fifteen years supporting clients experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, family conflict, trauma, and disability.
Kathryn Weiser
Registered Social Worker, MHSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4S
At some point in most relationships, couples experience conflict and sexual disconnection. I help individuals/couples struggling with verbal & sexual communication so they can develop healthier relationships and/or increased sexual connectedness. Are you struggling with communication issues? Conflict? Differences in desire? Illness? Trust issues? Arousal issues? Sexual trauma? I can help you gain insight into your challenges and provide tools to strengthen communication and improve sexual/ intimacy experiences. I help clients with medical issues such as cancer and chronic pain cope so you can have an increased quality of life.
At some point in most relationships, couples experience conflict and sexual disconnection. I help individuals/couples struggling with verbal & sexual communication so they can develop healthier relationships and/or increased sexual connectedness. Are you struggling with communication issues? Conflict? Differences in desire? Illness? Trust issues? Arousal issues? Sexual trauma? I can help you gain insight into your challenges and provide tools to strengthen communication and improve sexual/ intimacy experiences. I help clients with medical issues such as cancer and chronic pain cope so you can have an increased quality of life.
I completed my Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology from UBC, a health psychology clinical internship at the London Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium, postdoctoral internship at the Odette Cancer Centre, and Perinatal Mental Health certification from Postpartum Support International (PSI).
I feel honoured that my job is to help parents and aspiring parents. I am a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and the co-founder of The Well Parents Centre. I offer individual therapy and couples therapy, with a specific focus on infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of parenting. Some of the issues we work on include improving mood, anxiety, adjustment, and relationships. My therapeutic approach is most often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and can be described as non-judgemental, practical, and often humorous. Please note that I am currently offering a sliding scale for lgbtqia2s+ couples.
I completed my Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology from UBC, a health psychology clinical internship at the London Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium, postdoctoral internship at the Odette Cancer Centre, and Perinatal Mental Health certification from Postpartum Support International (PSI).
I feel honoured that my job is to help parents and aspiring parents. I am a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and the co-founder of The Well Parents Centre. I offer individual therapy and couples therapy, with a specific focus on infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of parenting. Some of the issues we work on include improving mood, anxiety, adjustment, and relationships. My therapeutic approach is most often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and can be described as non-judgemental, practical, and often humorous. Please note that I am currently offering a sliding scale for lgbtqia2s+ couples.
I am Shawna - a passionate and innovative therapist who believes strong mental health is rooted in resilience and connection. Having worked exclusively with young cancer patients and their families over the past decade helped me realize that emotional pain and resilience are not mutually exclusive experiences - they live together. Through the process of recognizing and experiencing our deepest pain, fear and longing we can become better versions of ourselves. My style is empathic, intuitive, and interactive, and I uncover and guide my clients to use their untapped strengths, resilience, and potential for connection in their lives.
I am Shawna - a passionate and innovative therapist who believes strong mental health is rooted in resilience and connection. Having worked exclusively with young cancer patients and their families over the past decade helped me realize that emotional pain and resilience are not mutually exclusive experiences - they live together. Through the process of recognizing and experiencing our deepest pain, fear and longing we can become better versions of ourselves. My style is empathic, intuitive, and interactive, and I uncover and guide my clients to use their untapped strengths, resilience, and potential for connection in their lives.
Emma Adelson (Rinaldo)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4E (Online Only)
My expertise includes cancer diagnosis/treatment/survivorship/living with cancer, adjustment to illness, childhood cancer, young adults with cancer, cancer related genetic mutations, risk reduction surgeries, grief/loss, cancer related trauma, mood changes, sexual function/identity, fertility, talking to family about illness.
Illness or the threat of illness can change you. You may feel like the rug has been pulled from beneath you and everything that has felt normal and routine has changed. While it is true you can’t control that the illness or diagnosis happened to you, you can control how you respond to it and what approach you want to take to drive your care, recovery and outlook. Allow me to stand with you while you navigate your experience knowing you are giving yourself a chance to take care of your emotional health alongside your physical health.
My expertise includes cancer diagnosis/treatment/survivorship/living with cancer, adjustment to illness, childhood cancer, young adults with cancer, cancer related genetic mutations, risk reduction surgeries, grief/loss, cancer related trauma, mood changes, sexual function/identity, fertility, talking to family about illness.
Illness or the threat of illness can change you. You may feel like the rug has been pulled from beneath you and everything that has felt normal and routine has changed. While it is true you can’t control that the illness or diagnosis happened to you, you can control how you respond to it and what approach you want to take to drive your care, recovery and outlook. Allow me to stand with you while you navigate your experience knowing you are giving yourself a chance to take care of your emotional health alongside your physical health.
I have three areas of specialization as a psychologist: 1) Coping with chronic medical illness, such as cancer (especially hereditary cancers, such as Lynch syndrome), multiple sclerosis, IBD (e.g., Chron's disease, colitis) or other gastrointestinal problems, 2) Anxiety and depression, and 3) Couples therapy. I'm offering all appointments virtually, not in person. See my website for more information: drtaehart.com
I have three areas of specialization as a psychologist: 1) Coping with chronic medical illness, such as cancer (especially hereditary cancers, such as Lynch syndrome), multiple sclerosis, IBD (e.g., Chron's disease, colitis) or other gastrointestinal problems, 2) Anxiety and depression, and 3) Couples therapy. I'm offering all appointments virtually, not in person. See my website for more information: drtaehart.com
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Cancer Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
Cancer Counsellors
How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.
What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counselling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.
How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.