by Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT200
As we find ourselves midway into the month of October,
I’m reminded by present, plentiful & supportive pink ribbons that this month is reserved to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Every 2 minutes, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, even if the treatment plan is straightforward.
Early on in my career, I worked at Life with Cancer- a small, supportive entity of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Back then, Life with Cancer was a smaller, more autonomous resource. As therapists, we had a great deal of flexibility which served us so that we could support our patients in the best way possible. As a psychotherapist, I was afforded a unique lens into the cancer treatment process while serving at a hospital radiation clinic. It was an honor to be able to support cancer patients during such a vulnerable and critical time in their journey.
Fast forward to the present- as a therapist in individual practice, I feel a deep connection to and passion for ongoing work with cancer patients. I share this energy, knowledge, and passion with members of the team at River Grove Therapy- all of us have been affected by cancer in some way.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis of any kind can be overwhelming and scary. Truly, cancer is trauma- and not as straightforward as a single incident trauma (something that happened to us and ended quickly)- cancer and cancer treatment is typically ongoing for a longer period of time, and can create a sense of distrust in our selves and our bodies with the possibility of recurrence and needing to check in with medical testing on an ongoing basis.
Therapy can help. There is a psycho-somatic connection (a mind-body connection) and benefit to processing the experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whether processing through talk therapy, EMDR, IFS , expressive arts or sand tray therapy, being able to process the experience can free up patterns of holding, distrust in ourselves and our bodies, allow space to release grief, emotions of injustice, anger, disappointment, and uncertainty.
Healing can go beyond the medical prognosis. Our therapists would be honored to support you on your journey, whether you recently received a cancer diagnosis, are in active treatment, cancer is in remission, or you’re now cancer-free. We’re here to help; let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the therapy process- yours will be as unique as you are!
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