Behavioral Oncology

Heal your mind as well as your body
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For all requests:
1-319-356-4200

Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow up take a toll on both your mind and body.

Cancer is a complex disease that has psychological, social, financial, and behavioral impacts that can interfere with treatment and effect outcomes. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center extends its cancer care beyond the medical and surgical realms to involve lifestyle, social, and emotional aspects of our patients, caregivers, and families.

Our Behavioral Oncology Clinic serves patients diagnosed with cancer in need of psychological care due to adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, or other psychosocial stressors. The clinic has a medical branch and a psychological branch to offer the full range of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for emotional stress.

Group therapy for cancer patients

We offer group therapy for people of all ages who have a cancer diagnosis. The therapy sessions provide a safe environment for supportive interactions, education, and sharing of experiences. The groups practice mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Wherever you are in your cancer journey—recently diagnosed, in active treatment, or finished with therapy—please join us.

Learn more about group therapy for cancer patients

Group therapy for cancer caregivers

Caregivers looking after cancer patients face unique challenges. Caring for yourself while caring for a loved one with cancer is important. The therapy sessions are a safe environment for you to meet others going through similar experiences.

Learn more about group therapy for caregivers

Individual therapy

Holden therapists offer supporting counseling, problem-solving, as well as coping strategies. Our licensed therapists offer:

  • Strength-based therapy
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Our Care Team

AB

Ashton J.
Brunn
PsyD

  • Cancer
Gregory Gullickson, PhD portrait

Gregory
Gullickson
PhD

  • Cancer
4.91 out of 5 (99 ratings)
Martin Kivlighan, PhD portrait

Martin
Kivlighan
PhD

  • Cancer
4.68 out of 5 (49 ratings)
Arwa Aburizik, MD, MS portrait

Arwa
Aburizik
MD, MS

  • Cancer
  • Psychiatry
4.69 out of 5 (396 ratings)
Jessica Thomas, ARNP portrait

Jessica
Thomas
ARNP

  • Cancer
4.87 out of 5 (178 ratings)

Not sure which Behavioral Oncology provider is right for you?

When you call 1-319-356-4200 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-356-4200
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Support Groups

Cancer Caregiver Support Group

Caring for a loved one with cancer presents a unique set of challenges. 

Family and friends who are taking care of a cancer patient are invited to attend therapy group for caregivers.

In these groups, caregivers will offer support, exchange ideas, and learn strategies to cope with the stress that comes with caring for a cancer patient.

Cancer Patient Therapy
Group therapy for cancer patients

We offer group therapy for men and women of all ages who have a cancer diagnosis. The therapy sessions provide a safe environment for supportive interactions, education, and sharing of experiences. The groups practice mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Wherever you are in your cancer journey—recently diagnosed, in active treatment, or finished with therapy—please join us.