Cancer Decision Coaching | Navigate Complex Treatment Choices with Confidence
Decision Coaching
Guided, evidence-informed support for difficult health and treatment choices—when facts, emotions, and values intersect. Decision Coaching bridges communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams to support shared understanding and values-based decisions. Grounded in the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and the Medicine of the Person approach to whole-person care.
From experience: In my oncology work, I’ve met many people who weren’t given enough information to make a truly informed choice— some arrive to a “teaching” session not realizing that chemotherapy is scheduled to start, or how a decision will affect their whole life (energy, work, caregiving, finances, travel, spiritual life, and routines at home). Decision Coaching creates a safe space to slow down, understand options and trade-offs, and choose next steps that align with your values and real-life context.
Typical decision coaching sessions range from 45–60 minutes, depending on complexity and whether a caregiver is joining. This allows time to understand context, clarify priorities, and plan next steps without feeling rushed.
What we do together
- Clarify what matters most—your values, beliefs, daily realities, and hopes for the future.
- Explore your understanding of diagnosis, treatment intent (cure, control, comfort), and key uncertainties.
- Compare options using decision aids, pros/cons, and values alignment tools—at your pace.
- Make the “whole-life” picture visible: time in clinic, side effects, recovery time, family roles, work/financial impact, travel, and supports.
- Prepare focused questions and talking points for your healthcare team.
- Leave with a grounded plan—next steps, who to follow up with, and what to monitor.
Common decisions we support
- Starting, pausing, or continuing treatment (e.g., chemotherapy beginning soon)
- Choosing between multiple recommended options
- Balancing quality of life with treatment intensity
- Planning ahead for work, caregiving, relocation, or travel
- Clarifying supportive care needs or when to seek a second opinion
Our approach to complex decisions
Using structured tools from the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, we explore your level of certainty, identify what additional information or reassurance you need, and support discussions that bring medical facts and personal values together. We also surface practical realities (time, logistics, finances, supports) so your decision is informed, realistic, and values-aligned—not rushed or made alone.
Whole-person focus
We attend to the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Upon request, sessions may include time for faith-based reflection or prayer. Your wishes lead; participation is always optional and respectful.
How it works
Step 1. Reflect and prepare
After booking, you’ll receive a short pre-session questionnaire to identify the decision you’re facing and any uncertainties or emotions around it. Completing this first lets us focus on what matters most to you.
Step 2. Explore together
During your session, we clarify goals, review medical information in plain language, and use Ottawa Framework tools to compare options, values, and trade-offs. We’ll also map the likely “whole-life” impact so you can plan supports in advance. Together, we draft focused questions for your care team.
Step 3. Clarify and act
You’ll receive a brief written summary capturing what feels most important, remaining questions, and practical next steps for discussion with your team. A care-team update can be prepared upon request.
Availability: Virtual sessions allow support across Canada and internationally*.
Optional: In-person support at appointments may be available depending on location. Please speak with your coach if you wish to explore this option.
*Availability may vary by region.
Scope: Coaching provides education and structured self-management support. It complements—but does not replace—medical care or urgent services.
