Counseling’s role in oncology

Shannon Crystal

When asked to write about why someone should consider counseling, all I could think about was how quickly your routine can change when an obstacle is put in the way. Counseling helps you deal with stressful situations as well as take the time to prepare for what’s to come.

Take this year’s first winter storm. Driving is usually a pretty routine task. But throw some snow and ice on the road, and it can get stressful very quickly. Once the rain starts to freeze, you know what’s going to happen if you hit black ice. Your car begins to slide. You hold your breath — hoping you don’t hit another vehicle. Hopefully, you manage to avoid an accident.

Now you are paying closer attention to what’s ahead. A patch of ice can be a great reminder about how hard driving is when road conditions get bad.

A cancer diagnosis can change the trajectory of your path, too. That’s when counseling can help you cope with stressful conditions.

Navigating through a complicated medical environment can be overwhelming, especially when facing a life-altering or life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Once treatment begins, sometimes your physical health is all that can be managed.

That’s why your focus on feelings is often put on hold. Counseling can provide support for the cancer’s impact on your life and its emotional aspects. That’s true if you are newly diagnosed, are in treatment or have completed treatment.

With cancer, being informed can help. Be prepared and seek guidance from professionals so you have a plan for what’s ahead. Counseling can help you deal with cancer and issues related to the disease. It also will help you manage the uncertainty about what’s ahead.

Novant Health Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center is dedicated to providing psychosocial support to patients and family members who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. We have a team of certified, licensed clinical social workers whose specialty is oncology.

You can call or stop by to schedule an appointment. In addition to counseling services, we have support programs throughout the month. A case manager can help connect you to the right resources in your local community. These services are offered on a limited schedule in Huntersville and Matthews.

Please call 704-384-5223 for more information.