When You Are Facing a Difficult Diagnosis
Receiving a cancer or life-limiting diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. For many people, the initial moment is one of shock and disbelief—it can be hard to take in what’s being said, and everything may feel surreal or overwhelming.
In the days and weeks that follow, a wide range of emotions often surface. You might notice that fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or grief may come in waves. Some people feel anxious about the future—about treatment, the impact on loved ones, or what lies ahead. Others describe feeling numb, as if life has been paused.
A diagnosis like this can touch every part of your life. Relationships may shift, with family and friends offering support but also struggling with their own emotions. Practical concerns—work, finances, caregiving, and planning for the future—can feel daunting on top of the physical demands of treatment or illness.
In the midst of the chaos, you might find yourself reflecting deeply on what matters most. Priorities may change, and everyday moments can take on new meaning. Coping can look different for everyone.
What’s important to know is that there is no “right” way to respond. The process of adjusting to a life-limiting illness is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey—one that can bring up new emotions and challenges at each stage.
How I Can Help
Psychotherapy can provide a safe space to navigate this experience, allowing you to process challenging feelings, regain a sense of agency, and find ways to live meaningfully in the midst of uncertainty.
In our sessions, we might:
- Explore ways to make room for difficult emotions
- Find ways to connect with your deepest values, helping you focus on what truly matters, even in the midst of illness
- Support and "befriend" your nervous system
- Help you move toward greater calm, grounding, and resilience when stress or fear feels overwhelming
- Acknowledge and process the layers of loss—loss of health, certainty, and sometimes identity
- Identify your needs and communicate those needs to family members, friends, and your healthcare team
I often draw from polyvagal theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and grief theory to help you make sense of your experience.
