When we make the choice to spend our lives with a partner, it’s rare that we envision someday becoming their caregiver. Yet, the unpredictable nature of life means we might find ourselves in a role we never foresaw, one of being a spousal caregiver. Adapting to this role can be difficult, even for those withContinue reading “The Power of Honesty When Caregiving for Your Partner”
Tag Archives: Coaching for Caregivers
What to Do When the Fear of Losing Your Spouse Paralyzes You
“I can’t live without my husband.” I hear this a lot from clients whose spouses have cancer. The fear of losing your spouse is completely normal, even rational, after a terminal diagnosis. When I first met with Cindy, her husband had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. They had been together since she wasContinue reading “What to Do When the Fear of Losing Your Spouse Paralyzes You”
“My Husband Has Cancer. I’m Scared.” How to Deal with Fear as a Spousal Caregiver
Whether you are new to caregiving or have been a spousal caregiver for a while, experiencing fear when your spouse has cancer is a normal part of the journey. Cancer and everything that go along with it can feel very frightening. The good news is that the more you understand your fear, what causes it,Continue reading ““My Husband Has Cancer. I’m Scared.” How to Deal with Fear as a Spousal Caregiver”
Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “Do I need therapy or a life coach?” Your partner has cancer, and you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, lonely, and stuck. You realize you need to get some support for yourself, but where do you turn? Should you find a therapist or life coach? What’s the difference between coaching andContinue reading “Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver”
How to Encourage Someone with Cancer & Believe in Their Strength Regardless
Knowing what to say to a cancer patient is one thing. Knowing what to say to a cancer patient who is also your partner can be even more challenging. You love them and want nothing more than to see them better. But if you’re also your partner’s caregiver, you have to take on that roleContinue reading “How to Encourage Someone with Cancer & Believe in Their Strength Regardless”
4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much
“It’s too much. I can’t do this anymore.” If those thoughts are swirling around your head lately, it’s time to pay attention. You may be tempted to push them aside or ignore them, but don’t! While you may even feel guilty for thinking this way (you’re not the one with cancer, after all), I wantContinue reading “4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much”
Cancer and Anger: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Anger During Their Cancer Journey
One day in July, my husband scheduled a visit to the doctor to have his shoulder examined after he hurt it in a bad fall. That is when we discovered he had a cancerous tumor in his arm. It came as such a shock to both of us. Overnight, our lives turned upside down, andContinue reading “Cancer and Anger: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Anger During Their Cancer Journey”
What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I didn’t know anyone in my situation. I was 40, working full time, and raising our 5-year-old. I was lucky to have wonderfully supportive family, friends, and colleagues. Still, no one really understood what it was like. At times, it was very isolating. I sometimes questioned myself andContinue reading “What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?”