Coach

What a clear and comprehensive summary. I love it. This is a very unique and important aspect of coaching in the cancer community and so valuable especially during that moment where everything changes. And there are different times and different ways coaching can be utilized so I'd like to expand the conversation by sharing where I do my work with my clients...and would love to hear about other niches/aspects from more coaches as well to give people a menu, if you will, of what's possible.

Personally, my work as a coach to cancer survivors focuses more on the emotional life post treatment creating a bridge into the "new normal" - which we know is anything but normal. Most clients coming to me didn't have the benefit of working with someone like Elyn during diagnosis/treatment and beyond as she supports them into survivorship.

During treatment patients have a medical plan that is put in place. It is human nature to do and feel better when we have a plan, though being flexible, experimenting and allowing it to evolve as we proceed is highly beneficial. Post treatment it is often the case that the what now remains a big and sometimes scary question. When coaching is focused in this segment of the cancer continuum it is where I help my clients move from surviving to thriving, facing fears, questions, concerns and making choices that align with what can sometimes be a big shift in core values and priorities in all aspects of living.

The goals are something generated by the client as coaching is a client-centered model and I personally use assessment tools such as my i-Thrive! Whole Life Assessment tool and my i-Thrive! Factor Assessment to help the client see where they are just surviving and what's keeping them stuck there...often fear, overwhelm and low physical energy. Using core value work, we then come up with a plan, break it into steps, set up accountability and get into action. When a client hits a roadblock, we look at what got in the way...all along educating about how they can have choice in how they respond to challenges in their life in a way that empowers them.

It is awesome and profound work and it is wonderful that people can use coaching at different times in different ways to be supported in their healing journey. Love the work Elyn and other coaches are bringing to this community. It is so inspiring!

Also to answer from experience about our best good cancer coaches.

Our best cancer coaches have extensive medical knowledge about cancer and the human body. For example pharmacists who specialize in cancer care medicine and natural medicine. Or Retired top level surgeons with a lifetime of medical knowledge plus the awareness that allopathic treatments are only one part of cancer survival.

Also we have had alot of good help from our friends who are survivors. About different treatments they have experience with and all the lifestyle knowledge they have. This type of coach is drawing on their personal experience. And may not be able to give correct advice when it comes to situations that are outside of their experience or awareness. Which are many, since every cancer patient is living with a unique experience of cancer and complicated symptoms.

I don't want to be a downer.
Striving to become a cancer coach is a fantastic thing. Good on you.

And never stop learning.
The cancer treatment and survival landscape is a constantly and rapidly evolving field.
I think to become a great cancer coach you will need to decide to become a professional in this field. If you do decide that, good for you. You will probably help alot of people in the world.

When a world class athlete or professional team sets major goals, they sit down with their coach and create a plan to achieve that goal. The coach sees the athlete for their highest potential and inspires them to begin to live that potential.

Together the athlete and the coach generate a training program to tap into existing gifts and talents and also build muscles in areas that require strengthening to achieve the goals.

When the athlete plateaus, hits a wall or momentarily loses confidence in themselves, the coach is there to support, encourage and remind the athlete who they REALLY are and what they are truly capable of.

Cancer Survivorship coaching is a revolutionary approach to working through the major challenges experienced when cancer touches your life. We define a clear picture of where you are stuck, stopped or blocked and what is holding you back from having the energy and ability to thrive.

How you view the experience can have a powerful effect on your energy level, outlook and your ability to harness the resources you need to heal and navigate the "new normal". You may not be able to change the circumstances of your cancer but you can shift how you choose to go through the experience.

For survivors who are newly diagnosed, coaching can help you overcome the sense of overwhelm and generate a plan to manage major decisions, build your support team and be empowered to take charge of your healing journey. It is also a great way to keep some balance.

It's not uncommon for the medical concerns to override all else and significantly impact quality of life and your primary relationships. Coaching helps identify potential pitfalls like this and supports you to design actions to generate a different outcome.

For post-treatment survivors, both those newly out of treatment and those years beyond who find themselves still dealing with after effects, coaching is a way to take your life back. It helps you build a bridge from where you are to where you want to be.

The experience of cancer often creates new priorities and goals for survivors. Sometimes this can leave you in a place of needing to redefine yourself. Coaching helps you to identify your core values, what you are truly committed to and how you want to invest your energy in alignment with that which matters most to you. When you do THAT you can't help but uncover a hidden source of energy and inspiration. You can read more about cancer survivorship coaching on my website at http://www.cancersurvivorshipcoaching.com or on my guest post "You Have a Cancer What?!"at http://bit.ly/g9gMnR. Of course, I'm happy to answer any further questions here on this site!