Pre- and Post-Surgery Psychological Support

Medical procedures and surgery can bring up complex emotions and psychological challenges, whether you're preparing for an upcoming surgery or navigating recovery afterward. From anxiety about the procedure itself to adjustment difficulties during healing, psychological support can be an essential part of your overall surgical experience and recovery process.

Types of surgeries we provide support for:

Major Medical Surgeries - Heart surgery, organ transplants, cancer-related procedures, or other significant medical interventions

Orthopedic Surgeries - Joint replacements, spinal procedures, or surgeries following injuries

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Procedures that may impact body image, self-esteem, or identity

Bariatric Surgery - Weight loss surgeries that involve significant lifestyle and psychological adjustments

Neurological Surgeries - Brain or spinal cord procedures that may affect cognitive or emotional functioning

Emergency or Trauma Surgery - Procedures following accidents or unexpected medical events

Chronic Condition Management Surgery - Procedures related to ongoing health conditions

Pre-surgery concerns we help with:

• Anxiety or panic about the upcoming procedure
• Fear of anesthesia, pain, or surgical complications
• Worry about how surgery will affect your life, relationships, or work
• Difficulty making informed decisions about surgical options
• Concerns about body image changes or physical limitations
• Financial stress related to surgery and recovery time
• Family and relationship stress around the surgical decision

Post-surgery challenges we address:

• Adjustment difficulties during recovery and healing
• Depression or anxiety following surgery
• Grief over physical changes or lost abilities
• Frustration with recovery timelines or setbacks
• Identity confusion when surgery significantly changes your life
• Relationship strain during the recovery period
• Fear of future medical procedures or health complications

Our approach to surgical psychological support:

Surgery affects both your body and mind, and psychological preparation and support can significantly improve your surgical experience and recovery. Our approach may include:

Pre-Surgery Preparation - Anxiety management, coping strategy development, and emotional readiness assessment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Addressing anxious thoughts about surgery and developing realistic expectations

Emotion Focused Therapy - Processing complex emotions about your health condition, surgery decision, and recovery

EMDR Therapy - Addressing medical trauma, past negative surgical experiences, or trauma related to the condition requiring surgery

Coping Skills Training - Building resilience and stress management techniques for the surgical journey

Body Image Support - Adjusting to physical changes and maintaining positive self-image

Recovery Planning - Setting realistic expectations and developing emotional support systems

Family and Relationship Support - Helping loved ones understand how to best support your surgical journey

What you can expect:

Pre-surgery counselling focuses on reducing anxiety, building coping skills, and ensuring you feel emotionally prepared for your procedure. Research shows that patients who are psychologically prepared often have better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times.

Post-surgery support helps you navigate the emotional aspects of recovery, adjust to any changes, and develop resilience during the healing process. We understand that recovery isn't just physical—it's emotional and psychological too.

We work collaboratively with your surgical team when appropriate and can provide documentation for your healthcare providers about your psychological readiness or support needs.

Sessions are available in-person at our Calgary office or online throughout Alberta, Nunavut, and Quebec. We can be flexible with scheduling around surgical timelines and recovery limitations.

Note: Our Pre- and Post-Surgery Assessments provide formal psychological evaluations for surgical readiness. If your medical team has requested a psychological assessment, please inquire about our specialized assessment services.

Surgery is a significant life event that deserves comprehensive support. Let us help you feel emotionally prepared and supported throughout your surgical journey.