CompleteLife Psychological Counseling
IU Simon Cancer Center psychological services are tailored specifically to meet the needs of people living with a cancer diagnosis. Our “cancer coach” is Shelley Johns, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cancer-related issues. Dr. Johns works with individuals and family members who want to learn new, effective ways to cope with the impact cancer has on their daily lives.
What counseling services are offered?
What happens in a counseling session?
Tell me about your clinical psychologist.
What is Dr. John's philosophy?
What counseling services are offered?
A variety of services are offered, including:
- Supportive counseling
- Solution-oriented treatments for anxiety (worry, tension, panic, fears of needle sticks and other procedures) and depression (sadness, irritability, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, exaggerated guilt, isolation, loss of interest/joy, dwelling on thoughts of death/dying)
- Stress management, including identifying and changing distorted thoughts, relaxation training, guided imagery, mindfulness and journaling
- Empowerment for maintaining hope and coping effectively with side effects of treatment (nausea/vomiting, fatigue, bodily changes/disfigurement, sexual dysfunction)
- Assistance in developing strategies for pain control
- Assistance with family or relationship problems
- Coaching for developing effective decision-making and problem-solving skills and communicating needs assertively (to medical team, loved ones, insurance company, employers, or others)
- Smoking cessation and lifestyle management
- Evaluating whether medication is necessary to help with depression and/or anxiety.
What happens in a counseling session?
Counseling sessions can occur in a variety of locations, depending upon what is most convenient for you. Sessions are conducted at the Indiana Cancer Pavilion in the 2nd floor counseling offices or in the 3rd floor Infusion area for those patients who desire a session during a chemotherapy treatment. If you are hospitalized, sessions will occur in your hospital room. Regardless of the location, our counselors will offer you a safe workspace where you can comfortably share your thoughts and feelings.
The first session is usually 60 or 90 minutes in length, depending upon your energy level. During this initial meeting, you will have an opportunity to discuss your current functioning, the impact of cancer on your life, and any issues with which you’re struggling. Then, together with your counselor, you will develop a treatment plan designed to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Subsequent sessions are usually 25 or 50 minutes in length. They begin with a brief update since the last session followed by a jointly-set agenda for the session, which includes exploring and processing thoughts and feelings as well as practicing new coping skills. The frequency of sessions depends on the client’s preference, level of need and treatment plan. Counseling is most effective when the client and therapist trust each other and are open and honest. You will get the most out of your counseling if you consistently attend sessions, actively engage with your therapist, share your ideas and responses, apply what you learn and try the self-help assignments you will create with your therapist.
Tell me about your clinical psychologist.
Dr. Shelley Johns is our clinical psychologist. She has nine years experience treating people and families facing cancer. Experienced in providing individual, couples and group counseling to adults, she is also involved in psychosocial oncology research.
Her qualifications include:
- Doctoral degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D.), Indiana State University
- Internship in clinical psychology, with emphasis in oncology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
- Licensed psychologist, State of Indiana
- Listed in National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
- Member of American Psychological Association, Society of Behavioral Medicine, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and Indiana Oncology Social Work Association
What is Dr. Johns’ philosophy?
“I consider it a great privilege to be invited into someone’s life when they are feeling vulnerable…and that’s how most people with cancer feel.” Committed to helping you maximize your quality of life, Dr. Johns takes an active role in therapy, coaching her clients to be active in their own healing. She encourages clients to come to sessions ready to work and learn, with ideas to discuss, and she does the same. Each session is packed with exercises to help you think and behave in healthier ways. “In sessions, my patients and I do some laughing and some crying, with the goal of people feeling better when they walk out of session than when they walked in.”
How do I learn more?
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact Ashley Shive at (317) 278-6663. For additional behavioral health and counseling services provided by Clarian Health, see the Clarian Health Web site.
More Information:
Psychological Stress and Cancer (National Cancer Institute)