Where therapy can fit
People seek emotional support at many points: right after a diagnosis, during treatment, when treatment ends and life is supposed to go back to normal, during a recurrence, or while caring for someone they love. Common concerns include:
- Fear, uncertainty, and worry about recurrence
- Sadness, grief for the life you expected, and changes in identity
- Strain in relationships, including intimacy and changing roles
- Talking with children and family about the illness
- Caregiver stress, guilt, and exhaustion
- Anxiety around scans and appointments
What this support is, and is not
This is psychotherapy. It is not medical or oncology care, and it does not replace advice from your treatment team. With your written permission, Dr. Lehmann can coordinate with your physicians when that would help.
If you are dealing with severe side effects, a medical emergency, or thoughts of suicide, contact your care team, call 911, or call or text 988 right away.
Who this is for
Tell Dr. Lehmann where you are in the process, whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, a survivor, or a family member or caregiver, and she will talk with you about whether and how she can help. Telehealth may be useful when treatment makes travel difficult.
Community resources
Support groups and community programs can sit alongside therapy. In Oakland County, Gilda's Club Metro Detroit in Royal Oak offers free cancer support programs (248-577-0800), and the American Cancer Society's helpline is available at 1-800-227-2345.
Learn more
Cancer Emotional Support Guide: guides on coping with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis; emotional support for cancer caregivers, and related questions.
Cancer in Oakland County: the numbers: an average of 7,852 new cancer cases a year were diagnosed in the county in 2019 to 2023, about 150 a week.
Common questions
Is it normal to feel worse after treatment ends?
Yes, this is common. The end of treatment often brings feelings that were on hold during it, plus fear of recurrence. That is a very reasonable time to start therapy.
Can I do sessions by video during treatment?
Telehealth is available for clients located in Michigan and can make therapy easier during treatment.