What Can Therapists Do When They Get a Life-Threatening Diagnosis? An interview with Patricia Ravitz, LMFT

Curt and Katie interview Patricia Ravitz, LMFT, on how she navigated her pancreatic cancer diagnosis as a therapist. We talk about what happens when a therapist must take time away from their practice without notice, what therapists can do to navigate seeing clients while in treatment, and how you and your clinical work can change when you’re facing mortality. We also talk about support and resources. 

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can manage their practice when facing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis

Curt and Katie asked their dear friend, Patricia Ravitz, LMFT to come talk about how she handled her practice after getting a cancer diagnosis. 

What happens when a therapist must suddenly take time away from their practice for medical treatment?

• Determining how long will be needed to take time off (if that can be predicted)
• Identifying how to notify patients and what to share with patients
• Understanding whether you can have these conversations with patients (or not)
• Choosing a method for notification 
• Consulting with a colleague who can help with notification and/or follow up

What can therapists do to continue to see clients while in chemotherapy?

• Assessing your response to chemotherapy and when you might be able to work
• Identifying days that you typically are able to be present and focused for your clients
• Determining who you can effectively see as a therapist and who you need to refer out
• Scheduling therapy around your treatment schedule as well as their clinical needs

How might your clinical work change when you’re facing mortality as a therapist?

• The reality of the precariousness of life can impact the sense of urgency
• Sorting through what each client wanted to hear about or needed to talk about
• Focus and sharpening the therapy, moving away from complacency
• The emotions and care from the clients to the therapist
• Processing the relationship in a different way

What kind of support or resources should therapists use when facing a challenging diagnosis?

• Personal support, therapy, consultation groups
• A professional will
• Understanding how this impacts other relationships and how you look at the world
• These types of experiences transform how we operate

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/