Here is what I can offer for those dealing with the hardship of serious illness:
A fundamental part of the human experience is a fear of death - we dread the possibility of pain and suffering and worry about what we will face the end. Medical care has a remarkable ability to extend life, but this care may not always be curative, and it is important to understand the potential physical and emotional tolls of intensive medical treatments that may extend survival but not enhance quality of life. Both patients and their caretakers are often confused by overwhelming medical decisions and emotional reactions during diagnosis and treatment and struggle with what they may experience in the long haul, particularly when the future is unclear. It doesn't have to be this way. I can help you sort out these complex responses and manage your fears. With your family and medical team I can help you to make healthcare decisions based on your values and beliefs.
Ways I can help:
Treatment specialization:
Therapeutic Approach:
A fundamental part of the human experience is a fear of death - we dread the possibility of pain and suffering and worry about what we will face the end. Medical care has a remarkable ability to extend life, but this care may not always be curative, and it is important to understand the potential physical and emotional tolls of intensive medical treatments that may extend survival but not enhance quality of life. Both patients and their caretakers are often confused by overwhelming medical decisions and emotional reactions during diagnosis and treatment and struggle with what they may experience in the long haul, particularly when the future is unclear. It doesn't have to be this way. I can help you sort out these complex responses and manage your fears. With your family and medical team I can help you to make healthcare decisions based on your values and beliefs.
Ways I can help:
- help both patients and caretakers to adjust to the initial diagnosis and then assist in continuing to live life fully while accepting the reality of the illness's limitations.
- process your current experience for personal reflection, emotional healing, and reconnection with loved ones
- teach skills to manage feelings of depression and anxiety that can arise at this uncertain time
- provide family/couple counseling to help identify problems, resolve conflicts and resentments, and help the patient to leave their family in good emotional shape
- provide education, guidance, and advocacy in navigating complicated medical systems
- assist in exploring end of life wishes and advanced care planning
- help prepare patients and families for a higher quality death at home or in the place of their choosing, to avoid an emotionally traumatic death in intensive care
- empower you and your loved ones to be your best during this challenging time
- assess what is important to you and guide you to get your needs met to encourage overall wellness
- recognize and accept the mix of powerful emotions related to grief and bereavement as an essential aspect of healing
- provide psychotherapy for previous grief and loss
Treatment specialization:
- Teaching emotional regulation of anxiety and depression
- Managing the challenges and transitions of your health
- Mediating family conflict and improvement of communication
- Being an advocate/liaison/navigator between you and family members, medical providers or departments
- Coping and managing your chronic illness and pain
- Family caregiving challenges
- Processing grief and loss associated with illness, aging, and end of life
- Coping with dementia through education and skill building
Therapeutic Approach:
- Family system-based relational therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy (MCBT)
- Emotional Freedom Techniques (tapping)
- Exploration from a "whole person" - biological, psychological, social, and spiritual - perspective.