"Finding Our Life Force" shows the importance of recognising that when a human being has cancer, the whole human being must be treated, not just the disease.
This book includes many of the meditations used in Life Force Foundation's cancer support groups, together with personal stories from past and present members, of their journeys from darkness into light.
Excerpt
Introduction
I have been associated with the Life Force Cancer Foundation since its inception in 1993 and continue to be impressed with the quality of support it provides to patients with cancer and to their families. The people working for Life Force are qualified counsellors, trained group facilitators and an experienced meditation teacher and are totally committed to the cause. They provide individual counselling, weekend retreats in the country and weekly support groups for both cancer patients and their families/carers.
There is very good evidence to support the benefit and positive impact of psychosocial services to people with cancer. There are psychosocial guidelines endorsed by the NHMRC and no one would argue that this is an important and essential component of cancer care.
Life Force conducts its support groups outside the hospital system and this is preferable to many people and their families and importantly is available to all irrespective of where they have their medical treatment.
Group work can be a very powerful tool in helping people come to terms with the upheaval that a diagnosis of cancer creates in many areas of their lives. Attending a support group offers an opportunity to overcome isolation through the sharing of feelings with people who are going through a similar experience. I see the work that Life Force Cancer Foundation does as an important adjunct to psychosocial support available in hospitals.
The Life Force counsellors work with clinicians and this is consistent with a holistic and collaborative team approach to provide optimal cancer care.
Michael Friedlander PhD FRACP
Director Medical Oncology
Prince of Wales Cancer Centre
Randwick, NSW, Australia
