For most patients, cancer and cancer treatments are very emotionally challenging, during treatment but also very often after treatment. Coping with the changes brought about by the illness, at the physical, psychological and relational level, envisaging returning to work, allaying the fear of recurrence, managing the sense of sorrow, anxiety or other emotions can sometimes seem insurmountable. These interventions are designed to help patients adjust to post-cancer life through sharing experiences and learning techniques to better regulate the emotions (relaxation and hypnosis techniques).

Why?

The onset of cancer and the resulting treatments are very challenging circumstances for every patient. Complex emotions, sometimes painful or overwhelming, are common throughout diagnosis and treatment, but also in the post-treatment period. The end of treatments can be associated with conflicting emotions. Although the end of treatment often gives rise to feelings of relief, it can also be at the root of feelings of apprehension and vulnerability as regards managing side effects, the physical changes that have taken place and possible return of the disease. Patients are therefore frequently torn between the wish to start making new plans and move forward, and doubts about their future. In this context, thoughts and emotions seem to spin out of control, sometimes resulting in difficulties impacting on their personal, marital, family, social and/or professional lives.

We offer:

A group psychological support intervention of eight sessions enabling patients to share experiences and learn and use emotion management techniques. The objective is to provide support in terms of regulating emotions and so help restore reassurance and calmness in the post-treatment period. The group sessions are preceded by an individual consultation with a psychologist.

 

With the financial support of the COCOM and the Kisane Foundation.