All support groups (with the exception of networking groups) require a Group Preparation Meeting with the Program Director before admittance.  

For further information about any of our groups, programs or events or, to RSVP please call us at:

314-238-2000

 

***Please note: Our weekly and networking support groups are not open for observation at any time.

Support group meetings are designed to allow the person with cancer, family, and friends to share concerns, information and support. The meetings aim to meet the needs of people dealing with specific issues such as diagnosis, individual patient needs, and the day-to-day fight for recovery. Licensed psychotherapists facilitate the meetings. A variety of support groups are offered.

Participant groups are the mainstay of our support programs at The Wellness Community. At these meetings, you can build an “extended family” and explore new ways of coping with the physical and emotional aspects of cancer. Participant groups offer a safe place for people with cancer to share feelings, concerns, information and support. Through these sessions, our participants form strong bonds with other individuals fighting cancer. The groups are for the participant who wants to make a weekly commitment to the same group. One of our licensed psychotherapists, who have extensive training and experience working with people with cancer, facilitates each group. There are generally 8 to 12 members in a group.

Group meetings are two hours long and are offered at a variety of days and times to accommodate our participants’ differing schedules. Attendance at a Welcome to Wellness Orientation Meeting and a short interview are needed prior to joining a group. For more information, please click here.

This group is for those who have experienced the loss of someone from cancer. It is open to anyone who attended a Wellness Community group or whose loved one was a participant. A licensed psychotherapist who has extensive training and experience working with people with cancer facilitates the group. Registration is not required. For dates and locations, please click here.

In a recent survey by TWC National participants and caregivers reported the following after attending a support or networking group:

• 88% feel less alone
• 87% are happier because they are in a group
• 83% believe they have improved
• 82% gain hope
• 75% strengthen their will to live
• 72% believe the relationship with their loved ones was helped

Having a loved one with cancer has its unique challenges. Often loved ones have as much (or more) stress and need for support services as the person with cancer does. Facilitated by a licensed psychotherapist who has extensive training and experience working with people with cancer, family groups offer a safe place to talk about the roller coaster of emotions (fear, anxiety, powerlessness, anger, sadness, etc.) and issues related to a loved one with cancer. Group participants learn practical information and skills that help make them a more effective support person while maintaining their own health. The groups are held simultaneously with our participant groups, so that both the person with cancer and their support person can benefit from our services at the same time. We find that it works well to have separate groups for the person with cancer and the significant other/support person so they may speak honestly and openly about the issues and concerns that are unique to their role.

Family groups are for the person who wants to make a weekly commitment to the same group. Attendance at an Orientation Meeting and a short interview are required before joining a Family group. For dates and locations, please click here.