SUPPORT “PLUS” INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER

Support Plus are cancer support groups that provide emotional support by encouraging awareness and expression of emotion, empathic listening to others’ concerns, and active coping. Skill building, information gathering and practicing stress reduction behaviors are also part of the group experience. In addition, a key component of the cancer support groups is to create an environment where a participant can confront existential concerns.

Support Plus groups are led by a facilitator who is trained at the Master’s or Doctoral level and licensed in the State of Illinois. Wellness House conducts six committed Support Plus groups and other Drop-In Support groups to serve the needs of individuals affected by cancer. A committed Support Plus group meets weekly for 12 weeks. The group typically begins with a brief centering exercise. Members share what they have in common and the unique ways cancer affects their lives. Members give and receive support, learn coping strategies, practice relaxation strategies and tackle issues of concern. Specific group experience flows out of common themes expressed by the group. Common topics include: understanding the diagnosis; coping with the side-effects of treatment; communicating with loved ones, friends and medical professionals; defining a new “normal” with new tasks, roles and responsibilities; struggling with mood changes; and discovering changes in values and priorities due to confronting issues.

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