Colorectal Cancer Mind-Body Medicine, Counseling & Support Groups
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Video: Mind-Body Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Mind-Body Medicine for Colorectal Cancer PatientsMind-Body Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Mind-body therapists at CTCA help colorectal cancer patients cope with changes in body image and function they may experience. Listen to Dr. Katherine Puckett discuss how the therapists help patients who undergo a colostomy.
Mind-Body Medicine for Colorectal Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you may be suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, anger and/or fear.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you and your caregiver can receive emotional/psychiatric counseling, cancer support groups and services from compassionate, trained and licensed mind-body therapists. These psychologists and other psychotherapists help you cope with the psychological and emotional distress brought on by colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer treatment.
Coping with Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Colorectal cancer counseling/therapeutic sessions
Much like the consultation appointments you’ll have with the other members of your care team at CTCA, you’ll also meet with a mind-body medicine expert during your first visit. You’ll learn about the different mind-body counseling, cancer support groups and therapeutic services available to you and your loved ones.
Throughout your colorectal cancer treatment, you can meet with your mind-body therapist regularly for counseling sessions. He or she will encourage you to talk about whatever you are thinking, feeling or experiencing. You are in complete control of the conversation and can talk about any topic.
Some matters colorectal cancer patients commonly face that your mind-body therapist can help you deal with include:
- Changes in body function and image (e.g., if you undergo a colostomy, your mind-body therapist can help you cope with wearing a colostomy bag)
- Issues with intimacy
- Sleeplessness
- Stress over loss of ability to work
- Concerns about relationships with spouses/partners and other family members
- Poor concentration
- Smoking cessation
In addition to meeting with you individually, your mind-body therapist is available to meet with your caregiver and other loved ones. Since caregivers play a major role in enhancing patients’ quality of life and healing process, they too need support in order to effectively manage their emotions and concerns.
Colorectal cancer upport groups/therapeutic services
At CTCA, you and your caregiver can also participate in cancer support groups led by our mind-body therapists. In these group sessions, you can feel free to actively share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, or simply listen.
Your mind-body therapist can also teach you coping skills to help you relax and manage stress. He or she will show you how to apply stress management techniques, such as guided imagery and relaxation training. These help to:
- Decrease your heart rate, muscle tension and anxiety
- Reduce symptoms such as pain, nausea and anxiety
- Improve the quality of your sleep
- Strengthen your sense of inner well-being
The mind-body medicine experts also offer a variety of additional mind-body therapeutic services, including:
- Qigong
- Laughter therapy
- Reiki therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
All in all, our mind-body counseling, cancer support groups and therapeutic services can help you regain a positive attitude and manage stress throughout your colorectal cancer treatment.
Next Topic: Oncology Rehabilitation for Colorectal Cancer Patients
