Lee Crawford

 

For Caregivers, Couples and Families

 

I offer counselling and self-care skills for caregivers, partners or spouses who are supporting a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer.

 

Issues I work with:

 

Communication skills and relationship skills for adjusting to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• How our perception of the family member diagnosed with cancer changes our attitude about others and ourselves.

• Coping and emotional problem solving skills to manage chronic stress and uncertainty.

• Emotional support for grief, loss, depression, fear, loneliness and helplessness.

• Life style adjustment in managing practical life tasks and changing roles in the family system.

• Self-care strategies: mindfulness practice, balancing caring for self while caring for other.

• Support for palliative care and bereavement.

• Exploring spiritual beliefs and practices, holding on to hope and gratitude.

 

Counselling and Art therapy for Children and Youth

 

I work with children and youth who are adjusting to a family member diagnosed or receiving treatment for cancer. I offer Art Therapy and Talk Therapy for children and youth who are diagnosed with cancer.

 

Issues I work with:

 

• Learning how to identify, express and manage emotions.

• Learning how to manage stress and cope with change.

• How to support a family member diagnosed with cancer. 

• Expressing feelings and needs to other family members and peers.

• Understanding how the medical system works to heal people who live with cancer.

• Balancing school, peer and community experiences.

• Bereavement and grief counseling when a family loses a loved one to cancer.