This compassionate book presents dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a proven psychological intervention that Marsha M. Linehan developed specifically for the impossible situations of life--and which she and Elizabeth Cohn Stuntz now apply to the unique challenges of cancer for the first time.
*How can you face the fear, sadness, and anger without being paralyzed by them?
*Is it possible to hold on to hope without being in denial?
*How can you nurture supportive relationships when you have barely enough energy to take care of yourself?
Learn powerful DBT skills that can help you make difficult treatment decisions, manage overwhelming emotions, speak up for your needs, and tolerate distress. The stories and collective wisdom of other cancer patients and survivors illustrate the coping skills and show how you can live meaningfully, even during the darkest days.
A cancer diagnosis can lead to what feel like impossible questions: How can a person face the fear, sadness, and anger without being paralyzed by them? Is it possible to hold on to hope without being in denial? What is the best way to get needed support?
"I will always remember the exact moment I received my first diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as my second diagnosis 15 years later. Over the years, I have nourished myself emotionally and intellectually by reading books on the challenges of living with cancer. None has had a greater impact than Coping with Cancer. This book is a treasure trove of tools and skill sets that can be life changing as you navigate the road ahead. It is beautifully written in a personal, authentic, totally relatable voice. It holds a special place on my shelf--as I predict it will on yours!"--Debbie L., New York City "This book is absolutely fantastic--it will be so very impactful and helpful. I am thrilled to have this widely available."--William S. Breitbart, MD, Jimmie C. Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology; Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center In my 30-plus years as an oncology social worker, many books on living with cancer have crossed my desk. Books on this topic tend to be based on either personal experience or professional know-how; this guide is an excellent combination of the two and perfect to help you feel more in control and manage the uncertainty of living with a cancer diagnosis.--Sara Goldberger, MSSW, ACSW, LCSW-R, cancer survivor and President, Association of Oncology Social Workers "I am deeply grateful to the authors for this respectful, compassionate, very practical guide. There was nothing like this book when my mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1954, back when people would not even say 'the C-word.' In fact, there has been nothing like it until now! As the survivor of two aggressive cancers myself, I wish I had had this book when I was diagnosed. The authors provide a manageable, step-wise approach to coping with an individual and interpersonal disaster. They draw on knowledge from both DBT and psychoanalysis to produce a welcome, creative synthesis."--Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey As a DBT clinician and cancer survivor/fighter myself, I rely on the skills in this book to face my diagnosis, treatments, and uncertainties, and to continue engaging in my personal and professional life. This book is an invaluable resource for patients, loved ones, and support groups facing the emotional rollercoaster of a cancer diagnosis."--Seth Axelrod, PhD, Director of DBT Services and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, YaleNew Haven Psychiatric Hospital "An important book for us all to read. It is practical, actionable, down to earth, and wise."--Rev. Joan Halifax, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center, and author of Standing at the Edge-