Ovarian Cancer Mind-Body Medicine, Counseling & Support Groups

Mind-Body Medicine for Ovarian Cancer

The Mind-Body Medicine program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) supports you and your family before, during and after your ovarian cancer treatment.

Many ovarian 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 ovarian cancer:

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

Our licensed mind-body therapists provide counseling for ovarian cancer 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, such as retrieving and freezing your eggs before treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Counseling & Support Groups

Our mind-body therapists understand the powerful connection that exists between the mind, body and spirit, between stress and illness, and between health and hope. We work with you to provide practices that promote health, wholeness and quality of life.

All of our mind-body medicine teams' 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 this department, such as our ovarian cancer support groups, counseling and individual therapy services. It’s your decision if you would like to continue meeting with a therapist.
• 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 ovarian cancer patients deal with their pain, nausea and anxiety, and also to support the immune system.
• Deep Breathing Exercises. Mind-body therapists work with ovarian cancer 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 this type of mind-body medicine 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 especially important for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, to prevent swelling in the legs (lymphedema).

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

Next Topic: Oncology Rehabilitation for Ovarian Cancer