The Importance of Counselling in Cancer Care
A quick guide for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Cancer pervades every aspect of patient’s life from the time of diagnosis; Different stages bring about different symptoms & side effects that are not just physical but also emotional. Often, this also impacts the psychological well-being of the people close to cancer patients. When primary physicians look into the physical aspects of a patient, counselors help them to deal with the emotional aspects, they prepare them to handle uncertain situations in an effective manner.
A counsellor can help cancer patients and caregivers to
- manage psychological distress, depression, anxiety and adjustment issues.
- help to deal with negative automatic thoughts and irrational beliefs.
- psycho-educate based on their need for information.
- cope up with cancer diagnosis using adaptive mechanisms, and learn ways to control their mind as well as thoughts.
- create awareness about cancer and eradicate myths and misconceptions.
- manage cancer treatment side-effects, such as perceived pain, Chemo-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) and fatigue.
- explore psycho-sexual concerns such as body images issues, intimacy, and sexuality.
- build effective communication with their health-care professionals.
- address relationship issues with family, friends, and colleagues.
- aid them in better decision making during the course of their treatment.
- discuss financial concerns and identify helpful resources for support.
- discuss concerns about what comes post-treatment, fear of recurrences and existential issues.
To conclude, counseling at the right time help patients and caregivers to enhance their overall Quality of Life during such tough period.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, as well as your experience and other inspiring stories while dealing with cancer care. (If you are a cancer care professional and looking for a chance to meet, share and discuss your passion with other like minded people, come join us on Psycho-oncology Professional Network)
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
