Support Groups for Cancer Patients & Survivors

Life Force support groups are designed to help people deal with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.  Research has shown that many cancer patients are able to cope reasonably well during their treatment phase, but find it hard to manage tumultuous feelings once they no longer have frequent appointments with their medical team.  As much as they want their treatment to be over, there is a certain level of security in knowing that something is being done to treat the disease.

Our group members are usually those who have finished active treatment.  This is when people can feel very vulnerable and unsure of how to start picking up the pieces of their lives again.  They have suffered a loss; the loss of their pre-cancer lives, and they need support to find out what their new normal is now. 

It is difficult for family and friends to understand that this is a grieving period, but belonging to a support group with other people who are experiencing the same feelings, is invaluable in learning how to create a new post-cancer life.

People at any stage of their cancer journey can and do benefit from this style of support group as well.  In our groups you can learn how to manage and transform your feelings of fear, despair, isolation, hurt, confusion, anxiety and anger in a safe and encouraging environment.

Life Force groups are run by professional counsellors and experienced facilitators, all of whom are cancer survivors themselves.  One facilitator in every group is a meditation teacher with more than 30 years experience.  Our members benefit greatly from learning relaxation techniques and participating in guided imagery at every meeting. 

People are welcome to join at any time during the ten-week terms.  There are four terms each year roughly approximating to school terms.

Those who gain the most benefit come back for successive sessions.  Many members continue for several years; it can take this long to find ways to come to terms with the impact cancer has had on their lives.  The focus of meetings is on sharing emotions around the cancer experience, without fear of judgment or having to pretend.  Members find new ways to communicate their feelings to doctors, family and friends.  Creative visualization (a form of meditation) is used to help manage overwhelming emotions.

Life Force support groups meet in Sydney's Eastern suburbs and the Inner West.

Support Group for Carers

A separate support group for caregivers is held weekly in Annandale. The role of carer is a difficult and stressful one, and this group offers an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings with others in a similar situation.

Mutual understanding and caring and sharing a common predicament is very supportive and a powerful component of healing. Sadness and anxiety can be put in perspective by sharing in a supportive environment. 

For more information see Support for Cancer Carers.