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Writer's pictureTalaya Dendy

Embracing and Feeling All Emotions: A Necessity for Parents of Children with Cancer


Amanda Curry, Trauma-Informed Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Oncology Specialist, Training Camp for the Soul™ Master Facilitator, Breathwork Facilitator, Inner child and Reparenting Coach



Navigating the emotional landscape of a cancer diagnosis is a profound challenge, particularly for parents of young children facing such a daunting journey. In an episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER featuring Amanda Curry, a Trauma-Informed Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Oncology Specialist, the importance of embracing and fully experiencing all emotions—especially anger and grief—was emphasized as essential for genuine processing and connection with their children.



The Importance of Genuine Emotional Processing


Amanda highlights that parents often feel compelled to compartmentalize their emotions, believing they must remain strong and composed for their children. However, this approach can lead to a disconnect both within themselves and in their relationship with their child. By allowing themselves to feel and express their emotions—whether it be anger, sadness, or grief—parents can model healthy emotional processing for their children. This authenticity fosters an environment where children feel safe to express their own feelings, creating a deeper emotional connection between parent and child.



Feeling it all: A Path to Healing


Amanda encourages parents to give themselves permission to feel everything that arises during this challenging time. She states, "Feel it all, all of it." This means acknowledging the anger and rage that may stem from the diagnosis, as well as the sadness and fear that accompany it. By fully experiencing these emotions, parents can begin to understand the underlying feelings that may be driving their reactions. For instance, anger may mask deeper feelings of fear or helplessness, and by addressing these emotions, parents can work through them more effectively.




A woman stands outdoors, wearing a white top. A quote about life's challenges overlays in purple. "Amanda Curry" and her credentials are listed.



The Role of Safe Spaces


Creating safe spaces for emotional expression is crucial. Amanda suggests that parents seek support, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, to work through their feelings. This support can help parents navigate their emotions without feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Additionally, Amanda emphasizes the importance of being open about their feelings in front of their children. When children see their parents experiencing and working through their emotions, they learn that it is okay to feel and express their own emotions, which is vital for their emotional development.



Practical Steps for Emotional Processing


  1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Parents should take the time to recognize and validate their feelings. Journaling or using voice messaging apps can be effective tools for expressing thoughts and emotions without judgment.


  2. Seek Support: Finding a therapist, coach, or support group can provide a safe space for parents to explore their feelings and gain insights into their emotional responses.


  3. Model Emotional Expression: By openly expressing their emotions, parents can teach their children that it is normal and healthy to feel a wide range of emotions, including anger and grief.


  4. Practice Self-Compassion: Parents should remind themselves that it is okay to feel overwhelmed and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.



Conclusion


In conclusion, embracing and feeling all emotions, including anger and grief, is essential for parents of children with cancer. This practice not only allows for authentic emotional processing but also strengthens the connection between parent and child. By modeling emotional expression and seeking support, parents can navigate the complexities of their feelings, ultimately fostering a healthier emotional environment for themselves and their children. As Amanda beautifully articulates, "Feel it all, all of it," and in doing so, parents can find healing and connection amidst the challenges of a cancer journey.



Reflection Question


During our conversation, Amanda discussed several effective strategies for being at peace with difficult emotions. Have you tried any of these techniques yourself? If not, are you interested in exploring them further?


Please feel free to respond or share your feedback and suggestions on our private Fanlist page. https://fanlist.com/nctpodcast



Engage with Amanda




Listen to the Full Episode


Tune in to discover valuable information on how to support both children and parents during difficult times and learn about the intersectionality of Amanda's work in healing and reparenting. Available on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to listen to your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe and follow the show for more episodes that cater to everyone facing cancer.


For your convenience, listen to this episode with the Smartplayer below.





Prefer to read? Check out the transcript for this episode.


Resources Mentioned

  • Book: The Five Personality Patterns by Stephen Kessler

  • Voice Messaging Apps: Otter, Voxer



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