Breast Cancer Recovery: Should Look into Cancer Group Therapy?

by Deborah G. Alicen, Ph.D.

Question: I am recovering from breast cancer and have recently heard about a support group for cancer patients, also known as cancer group therapy. My doctor doesn't know anything about it and doesn't seem interested one way or another. I am kind of interested, but I don't want to do anything stressful or potentially harmful to myself. I don't want to get upset by other people's problems. I have enough of my own. How should I think about this decision?

Joining a group for cancer survivors can be a very good idea, if the group is properly led. Given your statement about not wanting to be stressful, what if you called the group therapist first, and chatted with him/her about the group? What if you specifically mentioned your concerns about getting too stressed out at this vulnerable time?
If you call and manage to get them to talk to you on the phone, try to get a sense of how well that therapist hears your concern, that is, how sensitive they are to you 1-1 on the phone. If the phone call goes well, and you feel good about the person, chances the group they are leading probably is not going to be good for you.
Most group therapists will ask you to meet with them prior to joining their group. That's another chance for you to get a sense of how that person is going to be with you, and also find out more about the group, the topics discussed, what usually happens when someone brings up a disturbing problem, etc.
The best groups are run by professional, licensed therapists with experience in group counseling. Don't be afraid to ask the group therapist if they have had any specialized training after graduate school in running groups. Ask if they have any additional credentials in group counseling.
Many of the best group therapists will have additional training and credentials to prove it. They have are the ones to trust more than someone who decides to do a group for breast cancer, simply because they've survived their own breast cancer. (It takes a whole lot more than one's own experience with a problem to counsel others successfully over time.)
Find someone who has specialized training and your chances of a healthy, supportive and nurturing group experience are greatly enhanced!
The American Psychological Association has published a number of articles about group therapy for various types of health concerns. I know of several articles in particular, published in their "Monitor". It was published several years ago, but still is accessible. The articles suggested that therapy can "improve life and possibly bolster immunity" (APA Monitor, Volume 26, Number 12, page 24).
Your own feelings are the best judge of what you should do, and if you go to the group you can decide if it is the right place for you. It is helpful for people to talk about their feelings concerning their cancer in a supportive environment where they can help each other. My opinion is, talk to the therapist and see how you feel after that experience. Then if you like, take the next step.
http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/article/cancer_group