63rd Annual Conference

Saturday, February 25

Morning Workshops

8:45 A.M.-12:00 noon

Workshop 83

Therapist Led Support Groups for Cancer Patients

Chair:         

Shari Baron, MSN, RN, CS, CGP, Clinical Associate, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The workshop provides an opportunity to experience a model employing group psychotherapeutic thinking while conducting a support group for cancer patients.  Rather than focusing on psychopathology, the group concentrates on providing support to people who are experiencing severe emotional distress as the result of having a life threatening illness.

Demonstration-experiential-didactic-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify how the various issues of the cancer patient may impact upon the group process.

2. Identify theories of group process that may be used in the facilitation of support groups with the medically ill.

3. Summarize ways in which their own life experiences with cancer will impact upon the facilitation of support groups with cancer patients.

Course References:

1. Borysenko, K & Borysenko, M. (1994). The Power of the Mind to Heal, Calsbad, California: Hay House, Inc.

2. Frank, A. (1995). The Wounded Storyteller: Body, illness and ethics. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

3. Pelletier, K & Herzig, (1988) Psychoneuroimmunology: Toward a mindbody model." Advances, Institute for the Advancement of Health, 5 (1), 22-56.

4. Spiegel, D. & Classen, C. (2000). Group Therapy for Cancer Patients: A research

based handbook of psychosocial care . New York: Basic Books.