Before, during, and after your treatment, you may ask for supportive care.

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is someone who has completed at least five years of university-level training in psychology, resulting in a degree (Master’s) that allows them to practice. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications.
Clinical psychologists specialize in understanding psychological functioning and addressing personal and relational difficulties, whether for children, adolescents, or adults. They provide support to help individuals navigate difficult situations without forming emotional attachments to their clients. Psychologists are trained to recognize and manage the psychological impacts of cancer and its treatments, working collaboratively with healthcare teams to improve patient care while respecting professional confidentiality.

Why meet with a psychologist?

• To discuss your illness and concerns in a way that differs from conversations with loved ones, even though their emotional support is important.
• To manage disruptions caused by illness and treatments (physical, familial, etc.).
• To facilitate communication with your loved ones to avoid misunderstandings and unspoken tensions.
• To receive guidance on discussing your illness with children.
• To receive support at any challenging moment, both during and after treatment.

How and where?

The psychologist can see you upon your request or, in some cases, at the physician’s recommendation and with your consent.
Meetings can occur during treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), during hospitalization in the care unit, or in outpatient consultations by appointment.
The duration and frequency of sessions are determined in collaboration between you and the psychologist. You may contact the medical team, the secretary, or book directly.

These consultations are covered by your treatment, so there will be no charge.

If you are starting radiotherapy (possibly combined with chemotherapy), you may experience a decrease in appetite and digestive issues (gas, diarrhea) depending on where the radiation is targeted.
If you are struggling to eat, it’s essential to discuss it with the medical team promptly to implement appropriate support.
Don’t ignore any loss of appetite that could lead to weight loss, as it may result in malnutrition, which could negatively impact your quality of life (e.g., fatigue, social isolation).

Your doctor and treatment staff will provide guidelines specific to your treatment. If necessary, we can offer a consultation with our dietitian, Mrs. Laura LAPARRA. Please contact your referring physician’s secretary to schedule an appointment.

These consultations are included in your treatment and are free of charge.

Hypnosis sessions may be offered by appointment. These take place in the radiotherapy department before or after your session. Each session lasts around one hour, and a minimum of three sessions (at one per week) is recommended.
If you are interested, please reach out to the radiotherapy team. Please note that hypnosis consultations may not always be available during certain times of the year.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state that you experience every day. For instance, when you’re absorbed in a book, movie, or story, you may feel like you’re truly part of it, experiencing the emotions and sensations as if it were real, forgetting the emotional state you were in before.

Hypnosis creates a “modified state of consciousness,” where your unconscious becomes more present, while your conscious mind, typically restricted by certain blockages or beliefs, takes a backseat.

The benefit of this state is that it allows you to access unconscious resources to bring about the desired changes and achieve your goals.

Common misconceptions

Is it sleep? No, it’s a modified state of consciousness. You remain conscious and aware, becoming more of an observer. You will still hear the hypnotherapist’s voice as they guide you through the process.
Is it psychotherapy? No, it’s a brief therapy.
Does the therapist have control over you? No, you remain in control at all times.

Why have a hypnosis session?

A hypnosis session promotes deep relaxation and helps with letting go. It can be useful for overcoming habits, phobias (e.g., claustrophobia), anxiety, stress, or even pain management.
During your first session, you will discuss the reason for your consultation, and an objective will be set to work toward.
These consultations are covered by your treatment and are free of charge.

Sophrology:

A verbal, non-touch therapy, sophrology uses a range of techniques to work on both the body and mind. It combines exercises focusing on breathing, muscle relaxation, and mental imagery (or visualization). These techniques help restore a sense of well-being and activate your full potential.

Sophrology aims to improve self-awareness and manage physical pain or psychological discomfort (e.g., relaxation).

Socio-aesthetic Care:

A socio-aesthetician offers beauty treatments with products suitable for skin that has been weakened by treatments. This includes hand massages and nail base application.

Socio-hairdressing:

A socio-hairdresser is a professional who provides hair care in medical settings to address the specific needs of patients (e.g., illness, distress, disability), offering appropriate assistance and technical expertise while adhering to ethical guidelines.

Reflexology:

Reflexology involves massage and acupressure techniques applied to the feet. This practice helps reduce stress and channels your energy to optimize how your body responds to radiotherapy.

Art Therapy:

In either group (Color and Softness Journey workshop) or individual sessions, an art therapy professional will guide you to discover how to bring positive energy into your daily life through the use of colors and sensory experiences.

It involves expressing your emotions, feelings, and inner world using various artistic tools such as painting, coloring, collaging, modeling, and music, as well as learning how to liberate yourself through art.

Pedicure:

Pedicure involves treating foot ailments and caring for the skin and nails.