Oncology Counseling in Phoenix, AZ
Navigating the Emotional Journey of a Cancer Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis is often described as a “before and after” moment in life. From the initial shock of discovery through the grueling cycles of treatment and into the uncertainty of survivorship, the emotional weight can be as significant as the physical toll. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we provide specialized oncology counseling to help you navigate the complex terrain of medical trauma, anxiety, and identity shifts that accompany this journey.
You do not have to carry the burden of being “strong” for everyone else. We offer a dedicated, compassionate space where you can be honest about your fears, process your grief, and develop the psychological resilience needed to face each stage of your care.
Is Counseling Right For Me?
Support for Every Stage of the Journey
Our clinicians specialize in the “biopsychosocial” impact of cancer. We work with individuals at all points of their medical experience:
- At Diagnosis: Processing the initial shock, managing information overload, and navigating the difficult decisions that follow.
- During Treatment: Addressing “chemo-brain” (cognitive fog), body image changes, medical phobias, and the physical exhaustion that affects mental health.
- The “Wait” and Recurrence Anxiety: Managing the intense stress of scans (often called “scanxiety”) and the fear of the cancer returning or progressing.
- Caregiver & Family Support: Helping partners and family members manage caregiver burnout and navigate the shift in household roles.
- Survivorship & Re-entry: Redefining “normal” after treatment ends, when the world expects you to move on, but your internal landscape has changed.
Our Medical Counseling Approach
We use evidence-based modalities tailored specifically for the oncology patient:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focusing on what makes life meaningful now, allowing you to move toward your values even in the presence of physical pain or uncertainty.
- Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC): Learning to treat yourself with the same kindness and care you would offer a loved one. MSC helps reduce the “self-blame” that often accompanies illness and provides tools to soothe the nervous system during painful procedures.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Managing the intrusive “what-if” thoughts and building practical tools for anxiety and sleep disturbances.
- Somatic & Grounding Techniques: Helping the body stay regulated during invasive procedures or periods of high medical stress.
Reclaiming Your Life Beyond the Diagnosis
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
Cancer may be a part of your story right now, but it is not the whole story. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we are committed to helping you find clarity, connection, and resilience throughout your treatment and beyond.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Reclaiming Your Life Beyond the Diagnosis
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
Cancer may be a part of your story right now, but it is not the whole story. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we are committed to helping you find clarity, connection, and resilience throughout your treatment and beyond.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Cancer & Oncology Counseling FAQ
While support groups offer a wonderful community, individual oncology counseling provides a private space focused entirely on your specific history, family dynamics, and mental health needs. It allows for deep, specialized clinical work that groups often cannot provide.
We understand that your energy is a limited resource. We offer online therapy (telehealth) so you can receive support from the comfort of your home. Our sessions are designed to be a “recharging” space, not another chore on your medical checklist.
While we do not treat the cancer itself, research shows that psychological support and self-compassion practices can significantly improve your quality of life, reduce the perception of pain, improve sleep, and lower physiological stress markers that affect healing.
Absolutely. Cancer is a “we” illness. We offer family and couples sessions to help bridge communication gaps that often arise when family members try to protect one another from their own fears.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Dr. Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Lake Forest College
B.A. Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology,
Clinical Psychology
Dr. Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Masters in Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC, PMH-C
M.C. Counseling,
Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature),
Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse,
Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology,
Ottawa University
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling,
Grand Canyon University
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling,
University of Phoenix
B.A. Psychology,
California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
M.A. Teaching, Elementary
American University
B.A. Psychology & Sociology
Tulane University
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Dr Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lake Forest College, B.A. Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
Dr Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University Masters in Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University<
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling, Grand Canyon University B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling, University of Phoenix, B.A. Psychology, California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville M.A. Teaching, Elementary American University B.A. Psychology & Sociology Tulane University
Our Location in Phoenix, AZ
Address:
6245 N 24th Parkway, Suite #106 Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Phone: (480) 999-7070
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
