Support Groups

Support groups offer a place where we can be ourselves, where we don’t need to censor what we say. We can laugh, cry, mope, celebrate, use black humor, rail about the stupid comments we’ve heard, and find relief in the universality of our experiences. With our burdens lifted, we can go back to our families and friends and work and lives able to handle the difficult reality with equanimity.

Confidentiality

All participants sign a confidentiality agreement and are asked to keep the conversations private. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.

Attendance

Before joining a group, each participant needs to talk with the facilitator to discuss whether the group will fit your needs. Then you can come when you want to come or need to come, a couple of weeks, a couple of months, once in awhile, just when you’re receiving chemo or recovering from surgery or radiation or when you’re anxious about an upcoming scan or blood test or doctor’s appointment. Some people wait until after they have completed treatment before joining a group, when they feel vulnerable no longer being under the watchful eye of their doctors. Call 413-586-1642 to confirm time and place of all meetings.

Living with Advanced Cancer

Thursday evening monthly - call for dates

A support group for individuals whose treatment options will slow the progress of their disease but neither cure them nor offer them remissions, facilitated by Paula Murphy, LICSW

All Cancers - Northampton and Amherst groups

Northampton group - Tuesday evening

This group is facilitated by Deborah Burkhalter, LICSW.

Amherst group - Tuesday midday

This group is facilitated by Pierre Zimmerman.

Breast Cancer

Tuesday late afternoon

This support group is facilitated by Katherine Walsh, MSW, PhD.

Caregivers & Families

Thursday evening twice monthly

A support group for families and caregivers of people with cancer, facilitated by Vivien Weiss, LMHC.

Melanoma

Thursday evening monthly - call for dates

Pat Riggs, MSW, LICSW leads this group of men and women who have experienced melanoma.

Ovarian & Gynecological

Wednesday afternoon

This group is led by Vivien Weiss, LMHC.

Lymphedema

Bi-monthly - call for dates

Lymphedema (localized fluid retention and swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system) is a side effect of some cancer treatments. Join Kathryn McArthur and Kit Langdon,MFT to learn ways to cope.  Please check our workshop listings for upcoming Lymphedema focused workshops.

Men Living with Cancer

Wednesday midday

This group is facilitated by Ron Freshley, LICSW.

Bereavement support for spouses and partners

A support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Vivien Weiss, LMHC is the facilitator. If you would like to be contacted about a future group, please call us at 586-1642. We can also refer you to other community resources for bereavement counseling.

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