The diagnosis of cancer is a family experience that changes the lives of all its members, bringing with it immense stress and challenging situations. The daily routine, distribution of duties, and familial roles all change. It affects the couple’s relationship, their sex life, work obligations, household duties, and parenting.  Immediately following a cancer diagnosis is the fear of the unknown. Initial disbelief, denial, and despair are common and can last from days to weeks. Dysphoric mood, anxiety, appetite changes, insomnia, or irritability often follow and can last weeks or even months. As these waves of emotions flood cancer patients, the focus of the family system shifts, and roles and responsibilities often change. The first few weeks are typically a blur of scans, biopsies, clinical opinions, treatment options, and logistical decisions. The patient is stressed…and family members are terrified and feel helpless. Often much attention is given to the patient, but it is often the spouse, children, parents, siblings, and friends who are lying awake at night with worry. Family counseling focuses on both the patient and the family system. When processed in a healthy way, patients and families typically adapt to and recuperate from treatment and return to a new baseline, sometimes referred to as a “new normal.” Counselors can help navigate the rocky path and engage in role playing with patients and their spouses in how to communicate with each other and their children during this difficult time.

We do not take insurance for our counseling services. Please contact our counselors directly for rates and availability.