Bladder Cancer Mind-Body Medicine, Counseling & Support Groups

Mind-Body Medicine for Bladder Cancer 

Mind-body medicine at CTCA supports you and your family before, during and after bladder cancer treatment.

Many bladder cancer patients experience a unique set of concerns. Some concerns are shared by loved ones, who are also facing challenges related to cancer. The impact of the disease on fertility and sexuality are common concerns related to bladder cancer:

• Some younger patients with bladder cancer worry that they won’t be able to have children after treatment.
• Some patients wonder about the long-term effects of bladder cancer treatment on their sexual function.

Our licensed mind-body therapists provide bladder cancer support and counseling services to our patients and their partners, and work with the rest of your oncology team to help you get clear answers to all of your medical questions. We also provide referrals if you are interested in fertility procedures.

Bladder Cancer Counseling & Support Groups 

The following activities, classes and relaxation therapies are just some of the ways our mind-body medicine team can help you reduce stress and improve your quality of life. These bladder cancer support groups, counseling and services are available to patients, caregivers and their families:

• Individual, Couples and Family Counseling. A mind-body therapist schedules at least one visit with every in-patient to introduce the options available in mind-body medicine. It’s your decision if you would like to continue meeting with a therapist. For patients who have undergone bodily changes during their treatment for bladder cancer, counselors can assist you with processing this experience, adjusting to a new situation or simply just having someone to listen. Group therapy sessions are also available for those who prefer to meet with others rather than one-on-one.
• Guided Imagery. A relaxation technique that teaches patients to use positive mental images to manage stress and physical discomfort. Guided imagery can be used to help bladder cancer patients prepare for treatment, deal with their pain, nausea and anxiety, and also to support the immune system.
• Deep Breathing Exercises. Mind-body therapists work with patients on an individual basis to teach deep breathing as a relaxation and stress management technique.
• Laughter Therapy. These sessions provide a safe place where patients can laugh. Research has shown that laughing can reduce stress, improve pain and balance blood pressure.
• Reiki. A gentle, hands-on practice that uses specific techniques to help restore and balance the body’s energy, strengthen its ability to heal, reduce stress and increase peace of mind.
• Qigong. This ancient Chinese healing art uses a series of soft, flowing movements to focus the mind and body. Qigong is taught to help reduce stress, build stamina and enhance the immune system. The gentle movements also increase lymph circulation, which is important for cancer patients.
• Smoking Cessation Support. Mind-body support is available to help patients quit smoking through individual counseling, acupuncture, deep breathing and guided imagery. Patients are also encouraged to call the mind-body team when they are in need of support or experiencing nicotine cravings.
• Therapy Dog. Animal-assisted therapy is available for inpatients and outpatients. Many of our sites have a hospital dog, and other sites have visiting dog teams. Either way, the presence of a friendly dog, whether during treatment, in a room or even in the waiting room or hallways, can offer a unique comfort to patients.
• Movement Sessions. Some CTCA locations also offer a weekly movement group, with dance and other gentle exercises that provide another means of expression. This approach may be especially helpful for those patients with bladder cancer who have impaired vocal abilities following treatment and therefore find talk therapy difficult.
• Expressive Art Series. Some CTCA locations hold weekly art sessions that explore various mediums. Through drawing, writing or even beadwork, patients are given ways to explore and cope with the challenging feelings and experiences of cancer in a safe and quiet environment.

Our mind-body medicine experts work closely with your entire cancer treatment team and are here to support you in making ongoing care decisions. In addition, they can connect you with qualified practitioners, mind-body support groups and counseling services in your area once you return home.

Next Topic:  Oncology Rehabilitation for Bladder Cancer