Lisa Donley
Psychotherapist, Breastlink Medical Group, Inc.
The diagnosis of breast cancer brings with it a flood of emotional issues that are varied depending on each woman’s personal history, the stage of her cancer, the nature of treatment, and the family dynamics. This emotional backdrop rapidly shifts as the diagnosis and treatment unfold. The shock and denial of the early days can sometimes quickly lead to depression and terror. There can be growth and enhanced intimacy between the patient and her spouse. Children who deal with heightened anxiety may revel in their new competencies and sense of mastery of their world. The patient herself has the chance to move from adversity to new awakenings and a sense of personal integrity, courage, peaceful resolution and yes, even moments of great joy. This is a uniquely individual journey and needs to be respected, marked, acknowledged and, when needed, cared for professionally. For us at Breastlink, being privileged to stand with a patient and their loved ones through this unpredictable terrain is sacred ground. The person we identify as the caretaker of our patients emotional well being is Lisa Donley.
Lisa is a marriage and family therapist. She has more than 20 years’ experience working with cancer patients and their families. Lisa does not believe that the therapist enters the continuum only at the time of a crisis. Because the patient’s experience unfolds over time, sometimes with great subtlety, we must bear witness at all times to where a patient is, not where we think they are. Lisa is the keenest observer we know. She sees and hears where others don’t, with gentle guiding and without urgency. At the end of a juncture what a patient feels is, for us, the real test of Optimal Care — the therapeutic benefit of the relationship. For Lisa, it is all about service to patient need, need that changes and shifts and proceeds unpredictably requiring us to listen with head and heart.
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