Written by Mara Mussoni, Cancer Coach
Mara Mussoni, the first Cancer Coach in Italy and Europe has a specific mission: to improve the lives of people facing illness. Having personally experienced cancer twice, she has developed a specific and practical method to activate people's resources, enabling them not to be passive victims of the disease but to become active participants in their journey towards healing.
Cancer coaching is not merely mental and emotional support for those facing illness but a precise and structured method aimed at transforming the patient's life, helping them find meaning and strength in a time of great difficulty.
The human mind is built to give meaning and find a sense in everything that happens to us in life, and this occurs unconsciously, whether we are aware of it or not. When something undesirable happens to us—something that causes us to suffer, destabilizes us, and tests us—it is not easy to find an acceptable meaning in all of it, especially because we are often focused on what we want rather than on what life might want from us.
The approach of cancer coaching by Mara Mussoni is directed at the growth of the person, seen in a soulful, spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional sense, thus it explores the inner dialogue that the person has with themselves. It uncovers their story, brings out unconscious mechanisms, and then reveals the underlying truth that has often been set aside as a defense mechanism. This process allows the person to gain a new interpretation of what has happened, from which they can begin the journey of change that the illness intimately demands.
This is achieved through concrete exercises and well-structured steps to accompany the person step by step toward lasting and consistent change. To provide an example, let me tell you the story of Marco, who undertook an individual journey of Oncological Coaching sessions.
Marco's Story: A Journey of Awareness
"I've castrated myself."
These were Marco's words as he began our first session of the Change Cancer Program (an individual Oncological Coaching program). His raw and powerful words echoed in the silence of the room. Marco had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a diagnosis that had deeply shaken him. However, his reaction was not one of pure fear but of determination: he wanted to face this challenge in the best possible way and discover a deeper meaning in what was happening to him.
Since childhood, Marco had been perceived by his family as "the strong brother." Growing up, every attempt to express his needs or emotions was mocked by his father, who would silence and ridicule him. This had profoundly marked him, teaching him to suppress his feelings, never ask for help, and believe that his voice had no value.
In his work, Marco was extremely competent, a sports coach who trained highly successful athletes, but he constantly felt unrecognized. This lack of recognition made him feel "sidelined," a burden he carried with him in every aspect of his life.
During that first session, Marco realized a shocking truth: he had metaphorically "castrated" himself his entire life. He had never allowed himself to truly express himself, to make his voice heard, to ask for what he needed.
This awareness was a turning point. From that moment, our work together focused not only on addressing the illness but also on reclaiming that part of himself that Marco had always kept hidden. He began to recognize and value his emotions, learned to ask for help, and express his needs without fear of judgment.
As a result, his family relationships changed, his work relationships changed, and most importantly, his relationship with himself changed. Today, Marco feels more serene, calmer, and knows that his illness did not come just to cause "harm," but to give him a great opportunity for growth and change.
The power of awareness
Marco's journey is not an isolated case. Oncological coaching, with its approach centered on awareness and authentic self-expression, allows patients to face illness not just as a physical obstacle but as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. By helping patients become more aware and proactive, oncological coaching changes the paradigm of illness, transforming it from a mere physical discomfort to an evolutionary process of deep inner growth.
As it happened with Carla, in her journey of Rebirth and Transformation.
Carla’s story: A journey of rebirth and transformation
Carla is a woman who faced a diagnosis of breast cancer, finding herself lost and broken. Raised in a family where she never felt seen or loved, she went through periods of self-destruction to seek attention. Thanks to the Change Cancer Program and oncological coaching, Carla transformed her illness into an opportunity for rebirth and growth.
A neglected childhood: Carla's initial challenge
Carla grew up with entrepreneurial parents who were always busy with work. Their absence was compensated with material gifts and a permissive attitude of "do whatever you want." This led Carla to make extreme choices to get noticed: she started drinking, then using drugs, and eventually ended up in jail after a wild night. Despite everything, her father would always say, "Never mind." Nothing seemed to be enough to gain gratification or reward, leading her into toxic relationships and self-destructive behaviors.
The diagnosis: a turning point
The diagnosis of breast cancer represented a turning point for Carla. She realized it was time to slow down and change the course of her life. During the early sessions of oncological coaching, her history of abandonment and desperate search for recognition emerged. Carla realized that her illness could have several meanings, including the need to learn to see and love herself before seeking approval from others.
The transformation journey with cancer coaching
With the support of oncological coaching and through practical exercises, Carla began working on the behaviors and beliefs that made her feel "not enough." She worked on her need for recognition and approval, understanding the deep roots of her self-destructive actions. Thanks to these exercises, she started transforming her energy from masculine to feminine, learning to take care of herself and ask for what she needed.
A new life: Carla's rebirth
Today, Carla finally sees herself for who she is. She has started taking time for herself, has learned to ask when she needs something, and reminds herself every morning that she loves herself and gives herself permission to take up space. Her transformation is profound and significant, showing how illness can be an opportunity for growth and rebirth.
Carla's reflections: The power of oncological coaching
Carla reflects: "Oncological coaching helped me see myself and understand the reasons behind my actions. Now I love and respect myself every day." Carla's story is a powerful example of how the method of oncological coaching can transform a life, bringing wisdom and rebirth. The practical exercises have re-educated her mind and subconscious, changing the energy she puts into the world and transforming her life.
After these two examples of life transformation, I hope you have at least sensed the power of this method and how becoming a specialized professional or a Cancer Coach can also give you the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and make your own life memorable.
Because when we help others to be happy, we become happy ourselves, and there is nothing more powerful than fulfilling one's life purpose and giving immense meaning to one's existence.
Contact me for more information and for the Master in Cancer Coaching.
Mara Mussoni, Cancer Coach
Mara Mussoni, the first Cancer Coach in Italy and Europe has a specific mission: to improve the lives of people facing illness. Having personally experienced cancer twice, she has developed a specific and practical method to activate people's resources, enabling them not to be passive victims of the disease but to become active participants in their journey towards healing. She helps individuals directly and indirectly affected by illness and she trains hundreds of care relationship professionals worldwide, equipping them with a specific method to utilize effective communication, approaches, and transformative strategies, making a difference in the lives of those they assist.
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