Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology

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Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology

At Sage Clinics, we understand the emotional, psychological, and existential challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis and the palliative care journey. Our dedicated Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology services offer compassionate and comprehensive support to individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of cancer and end-of-life care. 

Understanding Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology: 

Psycho-Oncology: Psycho-oncology is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on addressing the emotional, psychological, and social needs of individuals affected by cancer. It encompasses a range of services, including assessment, intervention, support, and education, aimed at promoting coping, adjustment, and quality of life throughout the cancer continuum. 

Palliative Psychology: Palliative psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on providing holistic care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and caregivers. Palliative psychologists address a range of psychosocial, emotional, and existential concerns related to illness, symptom management, end-of-life decision-making, and bereavement support. 

At Sage Clinics, we recognize how difficult it can be to navigate the challenges of cancer and palliative care for you and your support network. Our Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology services provide a compassionate and supportive space for individuals and their loved ones to address their unique needs and concerns with dignity and respect. 

Our Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Psychology Services Offer: 

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Our experienced psychologists conduct thorough assessments to understand your unique needs, concerns, and goals, providing personalized support and interventions tailored to your specific situation. 
  • Emotional Support and Coping Skills: We offer evidence-based interventions to help you manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges associated with cancer and palliative care, fostering resilience and well-being. 
  • Communication and Relationship Support: We provide support and guidance in navigating difficult conversations with loved ones, healthcare providers, and caregivers, as well as addressing communication and relationship challenges within the family system. 
  • Advance Care Planning and Decision-Making: We assist individuals and their families in exploring their values, preferences, and goals of care, facilitating discussions about advance directives, treatment options, and end-of-life wishes. 
  • Bereavement Support: We offer compassionate support to individuals and families coping with grief and loss, providing a safe space to express emotions, process grief, and find meaning and healing in the midst of loss. 

 

Who can benefit from it? 

You may benefit from Sage’s Psycho-Oncology Service if: 

  • You or a loved one have recently received a cancer diagnosis and are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the illness. 
  • You experience anxiety, depression, or other psychological distress related to your cancer diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. 
  • You are facing difficult decisions about treatment options, end-of-life care, or advance care planning and could benefit from support and guidance. 
  • You are a caregiver or family member of someone with cancer and are experiencing stress, burnout, or feelings of overwhelm. 
  • You are navigating survivorship issues, such as fear of recurrence, body image concerns, or relationship challenges, and would like support in adjusting to life after cancer treatment. 
Hiba Salem Psychologist, Adult, Families, Psycho-Oncology & Palliative Psychology Specialist

Hiba Salem specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families.

Everyone deserves Our special care

Victoria's Journey

Victoria, a 45-year-old executive, sought psycho-oncology support at Sage Clinics while battling cancer. Victoria struggled with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties related to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She experienced intense anxiety and fear about her prognosis, uncertainty about the future, and distressing thoughts about the impact of her illness on her family and career. Victoria also grappled with feelings of sadness, grief, and loss related to the changes in her body and lifestyle due to cancer treatment.

The stress of managing treatment decisions, side effects, and medical appointments overwhelmed Victoria, leaving her feeling exhausted and depleted. She found it challenging to cope with the physical and emotional demands of cancer treatment while trying to maintain her roles and responsibilities at work and home. Victoria's relationships with her loved ones, including her husband, became strained as she withdrew emotionally and struggled to communicate her needs and concerns. Victoria began therapy at Sage Clinics with our specialist psycho-oncology specialist who provided her with compassionate support and guidance throughout her cancer journey. In therapy, Victoria had the opportunity to express her thoughts, feelings, and fears in a safe and nonjudgmental space, allowing her to process her emotions and gain perspective on her situation. Through therapy, Victoria learned coping strategies to manage her anxiety and distress, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. She explored her fears and concerns about cancer openly with her therapist, gaining insight into her thoughts and emotions and developing strategies to challenge negative thinking patterns and fears of the unknown. Victoria's husband attended some therapy sessions with her, providing him with an opportunity to express his own thoughts and feelings about Victoria's diagnosis and treatment and strengthen their communication and support for each other. Together, they learned effective communication skills, practiced active listening, and worked on strategies to navigate their cancer journey as a team.

Over time, Victoria experienced significant improvements in her emotional well-being and quality of life. She felt more empowered and resilient in the face of her cancer diagnosis, armed with coping skills and strategies to manage her anxiety and fears effectively. Victoria reported finding solace in her therapy sessions, gaining a sense of validation, support, and hope for the future.

FAQ's

What is psycho-oncology, and how can it help me?

Is psycho-oncology right for me?

What can I expect during psycho-oncology sessions?

How will psycho-oncology help me cope with cancer?

I feel guilty or ashamed about seeking support for my emotional needs. Is that normal?

I am still not sure if I should see someone. Can you advise me? I am still not sure if I should see someone. Can you advise me?

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How it works

We know it’s likely to have been a struggle to get this far, but we are with you every step of the way. Our process is simple – we work with you to develop a unique plan and provide the a level of support according to your needs, whilst ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Appointment

Book an appointment by calling us on +971 4 575 5684 (or you can book online) and tell us what you are having difficulty with.

Consultation

We offer availability with highly experienced therapists suited to your needs and book the appointment for you.

Therapy

Meet the practitioner and begin the road to self-improvement. Have any concerns? Let us know so we can assist.

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your mental health

Our goal is to support individuals, couples, families and groups experiencing challenges with mental, behavioral or emotional wellbeing to overcome these challenges, learn new skills, and thrive at life.