Parent Support Group Speaker - Ayelet Hirshfeld
/On Sunday, April 12th, the Kids & Art Parent Group welcomed Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld, PhD, to speak about stress assessment and management. Dr. Hirshfeld is an expert in trauma and secondary stress, and specializes in infants, children, adolescents and young adults. A 2019 research study found that one year post-therapy, up to 45% of siblings, 40% of mothers and 30% of fathers of pediatric cancer survivors suffered from persistent post-traumatic stress symptoms. Families which have experienced more frequent hospitalizations and more intense treatments are at higher risk for PTSD.
Dr. Hirshfeld explained that trauma is a stress response to a perceived or real-life threat. A stress response can be triggered by our senses: a sight, sound, or smell. A common cold or a fever can trigger a fear of relapse, or the smell of hand sanitizer used in the hospital can trigger traumatic memories of procedures. As pediatric patients finish chemo and return to their daily lives, families sometimes find themselves facing a significant lack of support during re-entry. Any stressors, such as COVID-19, can lead to an increase in post-traumatic stress symptoms. Some common symptoms are nightmares, sleeplessness, intrusive memories, emotional numbness, irritability, and feeling disconnected from others. Anyone can experience these symptoms, and many of them are quite common. If you are experiencing these symptoms and they are interfering with your daily functioning, they are defined as PTSD. (Research distinguishes between persistent PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms.)
Dr. Hirshfeld gave us suggestions for how to handle PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms. She reminded us that as parents of cancer survivors, we are worrying about something that has already happened. Reminding ourselves of this fact will help us gain perspective, and may ease symptoms.
Our children are also at risk: approximately 20% of pediatric cancer survivors will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point after treatment ends. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating children with PTSD. For young children, normalizing play therapy gives them an opportunity to “play it out” when they are stuck. For teens, talking with a trusted friend group may provide needed support. Children go through different developmental stages, and will process and reflect differently depending on their age. Kids need to have control over choosing when they want to talk. Their cancer and their treatment journey is their story, and they will tell it when they feel safe. Dr. Hirshfeld emphasized the importance of speech. Trauma is experiencing the unspeakable, so speaking about the experience and feelings surrounding the experience can help immensely. All feelings are ok! Expressive families that emphasize this message can provide support and a growing experience for the family.
Parents of pediatric cancer patients are 4x more likely to develop PTSD in their lifetime. They are also at risk for other mental illnesses such as depression. Dr. Hirshfeld’s contact is included here if you would like to reach out to talk, or get more information. Thank you Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld for talking with us!
In her private practice Dr. Hirschfeld specializes in assessment, treatment planning, psychotherapy, play therapy, psychoanalysis & consultation for infants, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, families; Clinicians. Dr Hirshfeld is an expert in trauma, secondary stress, burnout in the workplace and compassion fatigue assessment & treatment. Dr Hirshfeld has authored manuscripts in the areas of child psychoanalysis, psychosomatic conditions, trauma & secondary stress and co-authored & implemented a Brief Lacanian Treatment Model & a "Lacanian Approach" model to the organization and its individuals. She completed a postdoc fellowship @ Stanford Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS); conducted extensive research @ PTSD Research Program, SFVA/UCSF; was a consultant to the Brief Lacanian Analysis Project @ MMH; served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty @ CIIS & as Faculty & VP @ Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis (LSP), and was a founder/CEO in Tech; & co-founder at "O" Data. Services are provided in English and Hebrew. https://www.drhirshfeld.com/ 408-874-6506