Psychotherapy is a talk-based therapy intended to help you improve and maintain your mental health and well-being. You will work together with your therapist to positively change thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and functioning.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapists are trained and well versed in several approaches and types of therapy. Your needs and concerns being addressed determine the choice of therapy techniques. Often to meet your complex needs psychotherapists will employ several approaches and styles of therapy. Some of the most common therapy styles used include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Traditional Talk Therapy.

Psychotherapy services can be beneficial to many people including cancer patients, survivors, family/supports, children, and caregivers. These services are often covered by extended health benefits and can be provided both virtually and in person.

Psychotherapy for cancer patients

Cancer diagnoses can lead to or exacerbate existing strain on your mental health concerns. As you tend to your body it is also important to tend to your mental health. You may experience a complex combination of emotions and some people struggle with ongoing anxiety, depression, challenges coping with life changes, feelings of guilt and grief, concerns with body image and intimacy, as well as general mental distress. Psychotherapists provide professional support for all ranges of mental wellbeing concerns.

At Breast Rehab, we recommend a consultation with a psychotherapist as soon as you notice a change in mental wellbeing, or even preventatively after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial to help you through this life change. Following your assessment, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan focusing on education, lifestyle changes and ongoing support.