Coping with Cancer: DBT Skills to Manage Your Emotions--and Balance Uncertainty with Hope

by Elizabeth Cohn Stuntz, Marsha M. Linehan

This compassionate book presents dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a proven psychological intervention that Marsha M. Linehan developed specifically for the impossible situations of life--and which she and Elizabeth Cohn Stuntz now apply to the unique challenges of cancer for the first time.
 
*How can you face the fear, sadness, and anger without being paralyzed by them?
*Is it possible to hold on to hope without being in denial?
*How can you nurture supportive relationships when you have barely enough energy to take care of yourself?
 
Learn powerful DBT skills that can help you make difficult treatment decisions, manage overwhelming emotions, speak up for your needs, and tolerate distress. The stories and collective wisdom of other cancer patients and survivors illustrate the coping skills and show how you can live meaningfully, even during the darkest days.

 

Genres: Health, Psychology

167 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2021

Reviews

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a tool to help you help those in your life who are battling cancer, this volume is immensely insightful for navigating the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis. The concept of dialectics is well explained, there are numerous mindfulness exercises within the book, and the important concepts are outlined in bold.

[Vikki Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came into my life at a time when everything felt uncertain. What stood out to me wasn’t just the information — it was how practical and usable the tools were. Elizabeth Stuntz takes DBT skills and translates them into something you can actually reach for when you’re overwhelmed, scared, or spiraling.

I remember feeling grateful for how grounded and clear the guidance was. It didn’t ask me to be inspirational or endlessly positive — it met me where I was. The exercises helped me regulate my emotions, catch my breath, and move through difficult moments with a little more steadiness.

If you’re going through cancer treatment or supporting someone who is, this book offers a thoughtful, compassionate roadmap for navigating the emotional side of it all.

If you want a shorter version or a version that speaks more directly to breast ca

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a social worker who works in community health I found this book had really practical and helpful information and advice for people living with cancer and life limiting illnesses. The content is at times challenging in that it encourages readers to find safe ways to sit with uncomfortable feelings and thoughts and to connect with their 'observing' or 'wise mind' to keep a clear head in distressing situations. It also provides practical tips on how to have difficult conversations with partners, colleagues and health professionals about cancer and its impact. I would recommend this book, though it is dense with information and would be best read and re-read in bite-sized chunks.

[Janet Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this title by a coworker at BC Cancer. The authors provide an insightful look at living with Cancer, while offering wisdom and tools to cope with the reality of that journey.

I would recommend this to anyone with a new diagnosis who wants tools to navigate the stress and emotion of the treatment journey.

[Lauren Geier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful tool for clients experiencing cancer or other scary diagnoses.