Group workshops
Within the Cancer Psychology Service, we offer patients a range of group workshops which can help individuals to manage and cope some of the difficulties they are experiencing.
All the groups are focused on teaching new skills that will help you manage the psychological distress that you may experience when coping with the impact of cancer in your life.
People who attend the group are not asked to share any personal information about themselves and their health situation unless they feel comfortable to share with others in the group.
People who attend the groups say:
“I've learned to appreciate doing the small things, I weed my garden and grow lovely sweet peas. My wife and I, we love beach walks and drawing in the sand”
“My cancer has come back, I'm living my worst nightmare! But I can still be me and look after myself by living the life I want to live even through treatment, no one can take that control away’
“Working out our values and things was useful because it does make you evaluate what your life was like before, what was important. It makes you think how you’ve come through, what is important now and how you can move forward.”
“I was overwhelmed when I noticed that I don’t actually explode with anger or anxiety... the feelings cant get bigger than my body even when they are so painful... in a strange way it has given me a sense of control”
Please see below the groups we have to offer.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a helpful skill to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings in the present moment. This group teaches different ways of managing so people can still do what matters to them.
Mindfulness is a helpful skill to learn whilst treatment is ongoing.
Living with Uncertainty
A diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer can lead to a range of difficult feelings, which differ from person to person. You may worry about what will happen (uncertainty). Even in the months and years following diagnosis and treatment, you may notice feeling unsure about many things: the future, how you will cope, your physical health and your loved ones. This uncertainty can feel worrying and difficult to cope with. You may feel anxious and low. Sometimes we struggle with these feelings and things seem to get worse.
The group will teach you new ways to manage your thoughts and feelings that enable you to do the things that matter to you in life even when things are difficult or challenging.
Fatigue Management
Fatigue is often described as overwhelming and constant tiredness making it hard to cope with everyday life. It has been identified as one of the most common symptoms of cancer, preventing people leading a full and active life. The word fatigue can describe a range of feelings. Fatigue affects different people in different ways. Your fatigue may be due to the cancer itself, or the result of symptoms caused by the cancer. It can also be a side effect of treatment for cancer (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or medication).