Online Cancer Support Therapy in Winston-Salem, NC| Online Cancer Care Across North Carolina
Care for the emotional side of cancer
Support After a Cancer Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis can result in feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and uncertain of the future. The ongoing emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment can leave you feeling emotionally depleted. Therapy for cancer patients, caregivers of cancer patients, and parents of a child with cancer can provided much needed guidance and emotional support. Support after a cancer diagnosis is available. At Tranquil Talk Therapy, all email inquiries are responded to within 24-hours, with intake appointments often available within the same week.
I provide online cancer support therapy in North Carolina for individuals and caregivers navigating the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. As a psychologist based in Winston-Salem, NC, I specialize in helping clients cope with anxiety, fear of recurrence, and the psychological toll of treatment using evidence-based approaches like ACT and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. Rooted in the Triad, I often provide support to cancer survivors and caregivers of cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health. My clients often live in Clemmons, Kernersville, High Point, Asheboro, Boone, Wilkesboro, Statesville, Mount Airy, King, Greensboro, and across the state of North Carolina.
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer is a lot like an earthquake. You usually don’t expect it. It happens suddenly, and it can change your entire world. When the earthquake is actively happening, you're just trying to survive, moment-by-moment. Similar to cancer, it’s hard to stop and think about what’s happening to you when you’re in the midst of treatment. Your focus is on survival. Each and every day, you just try and survive.
After the earthquake, you often emerge a little dazed and confused, feeling like “Did that really just happen?” Once you’re no longer in survival mode, a myriad of emotions will likely present, spanning from gratitude, to anger, and everything else in between.
Cancer support therapy in North Carolina can help you cope with the emotional stress of cancer, make sense of what happened, and “rebuild after the earthquake.”
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
To quote Victor Frankel, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Even in the midst of suffering, we have the ability to choose how we will respond in hard times. In my experience, there is no one size fits all to coping with cancer. Some people focus on finding meaning and purpose, whereas others might lean into dark humor. However, many of my clients report the following ways to cope with cancer.
Strategies to cope with cancer:
Focus on the things that you can control
Identify what’s important to you and connect with it every day
Talk with friends, family, and sometimes a trained professional like me
Take things day-by-day
Break things into small chunks
Exercise
Name your fears out loud
Connect with sources of meaning
In my experience, cancer survivors who are able to connect with their values and make meaning out of their suffering have the best emotional outcomes. To quote Friedrich Nietzche, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." By identifying your “whys,” it can help us pull through during times of great hardship. Cancer support therapy can help provide emotional support for cancer patients.
Oncology Mental Health Support
The most helpful therapist is someone who has training in the treatment of anxiety AND someone who understands the complexities of cancer treatment. Some therapists claim they have experience working with cancer, and have actually only worked with one cancer survivor. For effective cancer support, you will want a psychosocial oncology provider who can help provide guidance on this journey. I am a psychologist with over a decade of experience providing support to cancer survivors, parents of children with cancer, and caregivers of cancer patients.
Therapy for Cancer Survivors
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life changing event. It often results in us having to face our mortality, assess our values, and finding a way to make a meaningful life while undergoing challenging cancer treatments. Cancer can also change our relationships with others, often resulting in discernment of who our real friends are. Even with the best support systems, it can be challenging to talk about the emotional side of cancer. That’s where I come in. With over a decade working with cancer survivors in North Carolina, I can provide safe and confidential space to process your concerns.
Therapy for Caregivers
One of the most important people in your life has been diagnosed with cancer. You’ve been faced with a difficult decision of how do I support my love one with cancer. Being a caregiver for a loved one with cancer isn’t for the faint of heart. It often results in days off at work to transport your loved one to appointments. The invisible stress of working full-time, so your loved one has insurance. It may also result in a shift in your relationship. You may feel guilty or resentful for the additional caregiving responsibility in your life. Caregiver burnout is a real thing. It is important to care for your loved one, but you also need to take care of yourself. Online cancer support therapy is a place where you can unapologetically process these concerns, get support, and tools about how to take care of yourself and loved one.
Therapy for Parents of Children with Cancer
You never thought this would happen. Your child has been diagnosed with cancer and now you’re having to navigate treatment cycles, medications at home, and germ precautions. Your friends are taking their kids to play groups, whereas you’re having to attend cancer treatment appointments multiple times a week.
Caring for a child with cancer often means putting your own needs aside. This may present as stepping back from the workforce, discontinuing hobbies, and seeing friends less frequently. Even with the best support systems, parents often feel isolated and alone. Our friends and family may want to help, but they feel uncomfortable discussing childhood cancer or uncertain how to be supportive. Online cancer support therapy in North Carolina can provide a safe, germ-free, confidential space where you can process your feelings about your child’s cancer. Together, we can develop coping skills to help care for ourselves and our kiddo.
Psychosocial Oncology Experience
I spent over seven years working in a comprehensive cancer center and an additional 5 years working with cancer survivors while in private practice. I have experience working with clients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, meaning I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of cancer treatment.
While working at the hospital, I’ve sat at the bedside of clients who are undergoing medical procedures:
Bone marrow biopsy
Bone marrow transplant
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Post-surgery
Non-Verbal Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients
I’ve accumulated over 4,500 direct clinical hours working with cancer survivors and their families. During this time, I have provided support to caregivers and patients with various cancer diagnosis. However, I have the most experience working with survivors with:
Leukemia
Breast Cancer
Multiple Myeloma
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Head-and Neck Cancer Patients
During my career, I have worked with clients who have achieved remission and with individuals who’ve transitioned to the next life. I have sat at the bedside with family while their loved ones have passed on and help processed their grief. With over a decade of working with cancer survivors and their family in the Triad, I’m a well-seasoned provider who is licensed to practice therapy in the state of North Carolina. No matter where you are in your journey, I can help you process your experience and navigate this difficult season.
Cancer Support FAQs
Should cancer survivors see a therapist?
No- not everyone should see a therapist, but most people benefit from talking to one. You may have the most wonderful family and friends, but you may find it difficult to discuss some of your fears and worries about your diagnosis (e.g., am I going to survive this diagnosis?). Having a neutral person can give you the space to discuss some of the more challenging aspects of your treatment, your present fears, and fears for the future.
What is Evidence Based Cancer Support Therapy?
There are several Evidence Based Treatments for Cancer Survivors which include the following:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Meaning Center Psychotherapy
Supportive Counseling
During the course of my career, I’ve attended workshops and undergone training with both founders of Meaning Center Psychotherapy (William Breitbart) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Steven Hayes). I often incorporate ACT and MCP into my work.
Is anxiety normal after cancer treatment?
Yes! Remember, how I mentioned that cancer is like an earthquake. After you survive the earthquake, you have the ability to stop and think about what you’ve been through (i.e, the treatment). Many clients feel more anxious after treatment, because they realize how challenging treatment can be, and they realize how much they stand to lose with a recurrence. Fear-of-cancer recurrence is normal and may always be a part of your survivorship. We just don’t want it to impact your overall day-to-day life.
Should caregivers go see a cancer therapist?
It can be beneficial for caregivers to work with a therapist who understands the challenges of caring for a family member during treatment. Caregiver burnout is a real thing. These are signs that you may be feeling burned out:
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or on edge
Irritability, anger, or resentment (often followed by guilt)
Feeling emotionally numb or detached
Anxiety that won’t shut off
Sadness, hopelessness, or frequent crying
Feeling alone or unsupported, even when others are around
Chronic fatigue, even after sleeping
Headaches, muscle tension, or body aches
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Getting sick more often
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Forgetfulness or brain fog
Constant worrying or worst-case thinking
Feeling like your mind never gets a break
Feeling more like a nurse than a partner, child, or friend
Loss of your own identity outside caregiving
Feeling pressure to be “strong” all the time
Guilt when resting or doing something for yourself
How do I talk to my child about their cancer diagnosis?
Wow. Let me say that talking with your kiddo about their cancer diagnosis is one of the hardest and important conversations you will ever have. Many parents fear using the word cancer will increase your child’s fear. However, research actually suggests otherwise. Children often sense that something is wrong, and would prefer to have truthful, accurate, and age appropriate information from their loved one.
Based on your child’s age, you should tailor the information to them, including simple and understandable facts.
For example, you might say, “The doctors have found something in your body called cancer. They have medicine they plan to give you to help the cancer go away and your body get better. Sometimes, these medicines might make you feel tired or your tummy hurt, but we will need to take the medicine to help you feel better. I will be with you every step of the journey.”
For older children, you may want to provide more detail in the conversation. You should answer your child’s questions honestly and involve them in the treatment plan, when possible. You may want to ask them questions, such as:
Do you have any questions?
What worries you the most right now?
Is there anything you’re wondering?
You should answer these questions honestly and directly use the word cancer during these conversations. Meeting with a psychosocial oncologist can help you with these conversations. I am a licensed therapist in North Carolina and have over a decade of experience working with cancer patients, caregivers, and parents of children with cancer.
What if I don’t know the answers to my child’s questions about their cancer?
Whenever possible, it is best to be honest. If you don’t know the answer to something, then you should say, “I don’t know the answer to that question right now. But, let’s talk to the doctor about it the next time we are at the hospital.”
Always be honest with your child in an age appropriate way.
Talking with someone with psychosocial oncology experience can help. I have over a decade of experience working with cancer patients in the Triad and throughout North Carolina. I can help you navigate these hard conversations.
What do kids with cancer worry about the most?
Generally speaking, kids worry more about their day-to-day life and how their world is going to change. You should reassure them about the things in their life that won’t change, such as play-time with mom and dad. You should remind them of all the things that are going to stay the same, and that mom and dad will be there every step of the way.
It can be helpful to reassure your kiddo that:
Cancer is not contagious. Mom, dad, and friends can’t catch it
They will still be loved and cared for.
Mom, dad, and the medical team are working hard to help them get better.
When possible, someone will be with them during treatment
They did not cause the cancer!
How do I deal with the fear of my child dying from cancer?
Coping with your child’s cancer diagnosis can be challenging. Many parents have an underlying worry that their child will die from cancer, even if they follow the treatment plan. One of the most challenging parts of dealing with a cancer diagnosis is the chronic uncertainty of the situation. On your own, it can be useful to practice mindfulness and establish set times to practice guided meditations. This is helpful because you learn to notice your thoughts, and that these thoughts are just thoughts. Over time, you learn to redirect your thoughts to the present moment. Right here, right now, your kiddo is okay. Your child is having to do hard things, but they are okay. Learning to focus on the present moment can help.
Many parents find it helpful to talk with a psychosocial oncologist about their struggles. Talking with someone who understands cancer can help offload some of the day-to-day stresses. Therapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness can be helpful during this time. I am a licensed therapist in North Carolina who provides online therapy for parents of children with cancer. In our work together, you’ll be free to discuss the hard things that you’re afraid to express out loud. I will hold space for your grief and process the loss of the future you had planned for your child, and we will learn skills to best cope with the present moment. Having a therapist can help you walk through this hard season. You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today.
Online Therapy for Cancer Support
The decision to go to therapy in the midst of cancer can be challenging. We don’t want it to feel like just another appointment. You already have so many appointments. You’re not looking for a generalist who has “seen a few clients with medical issues.” You are looking for a specialist who understands the realities of cancer, the medical system, and the invisible ongoing struggle you endure on a daily basis. You need a therapist with real life experience who can help you through this difficult time. That’s where I come in.
My Experience with Psychosocial Oncology
I have worked in a Comprehensive Cancer Center for over 7 years.
I’ve worked with patients and caregiver in both the inpatient and outpatient setting
I’ve attended both domestic and international trainings in cancer support
I understand how cancer impacts a person and their family system
I have worked with countless caregivers to cancer patients and cancer survivors
I have worked with parents caring for children with cancer
I’ve worked with clients in every stage of survivorship
How long does it take to get scheduled with a therapist?
Convenient scheduling - you can reduce your germ risk by having therapy at home
Fast access to therapy - all emails will be responded to within 24-hours
Flexible scheduling - Let’s schedule around your medical appointments
Affordable therapy - curtesy filing of insurance, for Aetna, Aetna SHP, BCBS, Meritain Health, and Medcost, with co-payments usually ranging from $0-30
Rooted in North Carolina. Statewide support.
I’m a psychologist with over a decade of experience. My practice is located in Winston-Salem and I am licensed to provide therapy to clients located in North Carolina. I often work with clients who are located in the Triad, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. With a background in rural mental health, I often work with clients in the surrounding areas, including Lexington, Boone, Elkin, Statesville, Mount Airy, Yadkinville, Kernersville, Clemmons, and Lewisville.
I’ve spent over 7-years working in an integrated hospital, specializing in psycho-social oncology. I’ve sat at the bedside of patients in the inpatient setting who’ve received a diagnosis or are preparing to transition to hospice care. I’ve worked with clients who are in the outpatient trying to make sense of their diagnosis. I’ve seen it all.
For over a decade, I have specialized in working with cancer survivors. I’ve helped people just like you make the changes they’re hoping for. I focus on creating a space where you feel genuinely seen and understood. I will also incorporate evidence based practice along our journey to help get symptoms relief. You shouldn’t have to spend your limited energy explaining your illness to yet another person who’s supposed to be helping.
Start Cancer Support Therapy in North Carolina — you don’t have to navigate this by yourself.