Psychological Support & Groups

Available Groups

GROUPS FOR PATIENTS

• Look Good, Feel Better
  This 3-hour program, co-sponsored with the American Cancer Society, helps women manage the physical appearance changes brought about by cancer and its treatments. Participants receive a complimentary bag of cosmetics and are taught skin care techniques and make-up application. Wigs and head-coverings are also demonstrated. We highly recommend this program for any woman who is undergoing hair and skin changes due to treatment. Reservations are required.

• Women Together
  Women Together is a weekly, ongoing support groups for women being treated for early stage breast cancer. These groups focus on living with breast cancer and the changes created by the disease and its treatments.

• DCIS Support Group
  This monthly support group for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) provides information about DCIS and the changes created by its diagnosis and treatment.

• Living Beyond Limits
  Living Beyond Limits is a weekly support group for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. The group focuses on living with cancer and promots mutual support, active coping, and improved quality of life.

• Looking Ahead
  These groups, for patients who have finished treatment and have no evidence of disease, provide an opportunity to explore ongoing needs and concerns such as fear of recurrence, job discrimination, intimacy and self-esteem.  There are several different types of Looking Ahead groups.

GROUPS FOR MEN & WOMEN PATIENTS

• Healing Through Art
  This weekly group utilizes art making (drawing, painting, box making, collage, etc.) to explore, reveal and express the issues faced by individuals with cancer. The group is facilitated by a registered art therapist. No art experience or skill is required.

• Young Adult Group
  This group meets monthly offering support for young adults (under 40) currently being treated for cancer.  It provides an opportunity to meet other young people with cancer and to discuss the unique challenges faced by this age group.

GROUPS FOR PATIENTS (WOMEN &/OR MEN) AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

• Mind/Body Approaches to Coping with Cancer
  This workshop offers patients and their partners or adult family members an opportunity to learn and practice techniques that will help them manage the stresses associated with cancer and its treatments. Each participant receives a detailed manual and a relaxation tape.



• Lung Cancer Support Group
  This group meets weekly and is open to patients with lung cancer and their partners/caregivers.  The group offers support through a community, education and skill-building to manage anxiety and breathlessness. It provides resources for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. This group was originally started with the support of John Nickoll and his family through the Ann and John Nickoll Lung Cancer Support Program.

• Meditation: Inner Healing
  Using techniques such as guided imagery, music, color, and movement, this group is designed to optimize emotional, physical and spiritual well-being through meditation. The facilitator holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Health Sciences and is committed to serving individuals facing health challenges.

• QiGong
  QiGong is an ancient Chinese art for restoring health and prolonging life. Our QiGong classes are held weekly and led by a Chinese master to promote healing, health and fitness.  Patients must inform their physician of their participation.

• Couples Together
  This group offers an opportunity for patients and their partners to explore the experience of cancer, what it means to them and how it affects their relationships.

• Difficult Conversations: Preparation for End of Life Decision-making
  This workshop provides insight into important subjects that people with cancer and their families face. Concrete information about palliative care, hospice, advance directives, and DNR orders is provided. This seminar offers practical tips on opening communications about these topics with your doctors and treatment team as well as your family and friends.

• Acupressure
  Acupressure effectively treats many of the side effects of cancer. Among its many benefits, Acupressure can help manage digestive discomfort, relieve pain, improve fatigue and strengthen the immune system. Most importantly, it can help calm your spirit. By simply placing your hands or feet on specific spots on your own body, you will learn helpful acupressure treatments for yourself and your loved ones.

• 

  Mindful Meditation
  Mindfulness Meditation is a secular practice that facilitates the mind/body connection by cultivating present moment awareness without judgment. It has been proven to enhance health and well-being with people experiencing stress, pain, anxiety, depression and/or illness. This supportive group is designed for individuals who have or have had cancer, with the aim of reducing cancer-related stresses while enhancing the quality of one’s life. Each session includes guided mindfulness meditation experiences, sharing and education

GROUPS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

• Husbands (Partners) of Women With Cancer
  This is a twice-a-month group for men who live with women diagnosed with cancer.  Participants learn ways of supporting their partners and also taking care of themselves as they deal with cancer together.  This group is co-sponsored by the Alan and Nancy Baer Foundation.

• Family and Friends
  This is a weekly group for friends and family members of individuals with cancer. Participants discuss their concerns and issues related to coping with cancer and their roles as caregivers and members of the support team.

• Grief Work
  This bereavement support group is for men and women who have experienced a recent loss of an adult family member to cancer. Emphasis is placed on working through grief and loss.