Cancer psychology services
Supporting emotional well-being through cancer psychology services.
Compassionate care and support
Lucas Prichard has a special interest in cancer psychology, addressing emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of cancer. He offers collaborative care with healthcare professionals, utilizing therapies to enhance coping and quality of life during the cancer journey.
What is cancer psychology?
Cancer psychology, also referred to as psycho-oncology is a specialized field within health psychology that focuses on understanding the psychological, emotional, and behavioural aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
It explores how individuals cope with the challenges of cancer, including the impact on emotions, relationships, and quality of life.
How does cancer affect us?
Cancer psychology addresses a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness, treatment adherence, pain management, and end-of-life decisions. Cancer psychologists will oftentimes work collaboratively with oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and support to cancer patients and their families.
Interventions may include individual therapy, support groups, stress management techniques, and cognitive-behavioural strategies to enhance coping skills and improve overall well-being throughout the cancer journey. The goal is to help individuals maintain resilience, optimize quality of life, and facilitate adjustment to the challenges posed by cancer and its treatment.
Common difficulties
A cancer psychologist may provide assistance with common difficulties such as:
- Cancer patients will often experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression, grappling with the uncertainty of their prognosis and the fear of undergoing invasive treatments.
- Confronting mortality and contemplating the meaning of life can trigger existential crisis, leading to feelings of despair, nihilism, and spiritual distress.
- The trauma of diagnosis, the oftentimes gruelling nature of treatment, and the fear of recurrence can leave lasting emotional scars, manifesting as post-traumatic stress symptoms. Further to this, cancer related distress can reaggravate, or worsen pre-existing post-traumatic stress.
- Cancer disrupts not only one’s physical health but also their sense of identity, relationships, and future plans, leading to profound feelings of loss and grief.
We can help you
Cancer of course not only effects patients but also their wider network. Supporting a loved one through the aforementioned difficulties can in and of itself be an immensely difficult experience. As such, loved ones too can oftentimes benefit from ongoing support with a cancer psychologist or other mental health professional. Inquire about cancer psychology services for yourself or a loved one with Lucas today.