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Professional counseling for loss of parent?

Page last modified on: August 15, 2008

Question from susan: Do you think a child who has lost or is losing a parent should get professional counseling?: Answer —Joan Hermann, L.S.W.: I think it totally depends on how the family has dealt with it up till now. It might be more important for the parent to be talking to somebody so they have the energy and the confidence to reach out to their children, because if the parent is able, the parent is in the best position to be able to help their kids. So it doesn't necessarily call for professional counseling. If the mother is worried that the child isn't doing OK, she can ask for counseling. But just the mere fact that they may lose her doesn't necessarily mean that the children need professional help. When in doubt, go for an evaluation.

On Wednesday, August 16, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Kids and Mom's Breast Cancer. Joan Hermann, L.S.W. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about talking to your kids about breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Joan Hermann, L.S.W. is the director of social work services at the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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