When you are the Princess of Wales, revealing a cancer diagnosis can be a complicated issue, as evidenced by the media stir that resulted from Kate Middleton’s delayed announcement earlier this year. But it’s not an easy decision for anyone facing such life-changing news.
Enter Erin Baurle, PsyD, and her team of oncology counselors who help cancer patients navigate their journeys.
“This type of mental health support can look very different from traditional counseling that people might have engaged in,” said Baurle, visiting associate professor and medical director of oncology counseling services for medical oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “We often have people come to us that are looking for more specialized cancer treatment support beyond their regular therapist.”
In the following Q&A, Baurle explains the benefits of oncology counseling, how it helps patients with diagnosis disclosure and how to replace that familiar phrase of “let me know if you need anything” when offering to help a loved one with cancer.