help, counselling, support, family, calgary, TBCC, tom baker,
Counselling & support for Calgary-area cancer patients and families (Alberta Cancer Board)
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Calgary Area Counselling and Support
Department of Psychosocial Resources
Helping You Live Well With Cancer
We are located at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Holy Cross site .
Our staff are trained professionals in psychiatry , psychology , and social work . The counsellors are specially trained to help patients and their families cope with the emotional, psychological and social stresses that often surface as a result of cancer and its treatment.
In addition to their work helping patients and families, psychosocial staff are engaged in research and educational activities that promote the development of new knowledge and the adoption of effective practices for ensuring improved quality of life for the patients we serve. Clinical activities are therefore guided by evidence based best practices.
Our Services
Our services are confidential and free of charge.
 Counselling and Support for Patients, Familes, Friends - printable summary (PDF)
 Group Programs
Classes
Individual, Couple and Family Counselling
Counselling can help you …
Cope with reactions to cancer
- Anger at having the disease
- Depression
- Fear of cancer
- Changes to your body
- Anxiety about treatment
- Fear of cancer coming back
- Anger at not getting clear answers
- Loss of control
- Feeling of guilt
- Wondering if life will ever seem normal again
- Grief or sadness
Address family issues
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Relationship or family counselling
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How the family can be supportive
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Changes in roles within your family
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Talking with children
Confront practical issues
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Reorganize finances
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Plan how to raise issues with your doctor
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Plan how to talk to your employer and co-workers
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Solve transportation/ accommodation problems
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Obtain information
Explore personal issues
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Assess relationships, career, or leisure pursuits
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Clarify values, goals and priorities
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Make the most of your life
Related Link :
The Emotional Facts of Life with Cancer (PDF)
To inquire about any of our counselling services, call (403) 355-3207 or email calgarypsychosocial@albertahealthservices.ca .
Personal Well-Being Checklist
The Personal Well-being checklist is a new resource. Distress, like blood pressure, is a vital sign of individuals and their loved ones. We recognize the importance of your emotional well-being throughout this experience. Our well-being checklist is a brief electronic tool that will ensure you are connected with information and support as early as possible. Distress is common during a cancer experience. Now you have a new way to manage it.
Personal well-being website
For more information, contact the Screening Team at (403) 521-3472 or email personalwellbeing@albertahealthservices.ca .
Resource Counselling
As you are dealing with cancer, you may find that you need help with some of your basic needs . These needs may include the following:
- Medical insurance
- Income support and financial assistance
- Transportation and accommodation
- Disability benefits
- Other resources
We have social workers called Resource Counsellors to help you with these basic needs. The best way to meet with these counsellors and get the help you need is to attend a weekly class on how to get help for your financial and other basic needs.
Resource Class (How to Get Help for Your Financial and Other Basic Needs) for Cancer Patients and Their Families (PDF)
Sources of Help for People with Cancer (PDF)
To inquire about resource counselling, call (403) 355-3207 or email calgarypsychosocial@albertahealthservices.ca .
Group Programs
Group programs let you connect with both health care professionals and people who are going through similar experiences to you. These programs strive to improve quality of life and provide patients and their family members with skills and support to help them throughout their cancer journey.
To enroll in any group program, call (403) 355-3207 or e-mail calgarypsychosocial@albertahealthservices.ca .
Below are descriptions of all the group programs our department currently offers.
BEST Group
The BEST group is an ongoing weekly group offered for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The goals of the program include: encouraging mutual support between participants; developing greater openness and emotional expressiveness about the challenges resulting from cancer diagnosis, treatment and living with cancer; improving coping skills; optimizing relationships with health care providers; improving social and family support; integration of changing self and body image; living life fully.
Participants are expected to attend regularly. Professional therapists lead the group. Interested persons will be invited to meet initially with a group leader to learn more about the group prior to making a decision to participate.
Supportive Expressive Group Therapy for People with Metastatic Breast Cancer (PDF)
Brief Support Expressive Group Therapy for Woman with Primary Breast Cancer
This 12-week group is for women who have been diagnosed with primary (stage 1, 2 or 3) breast cancer within the last three years. Groups meet for 1.5 hours per week with experienced therapists. In the group, participants experience mutual support and learn to combat loneliness, enhance openness, improve coping skills, and improve relationships with self and others.
Supportive Expressive Group Therapy for People with Primary Breast Cancer (PDF)
Kids and Teens Can Cope
When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, things can change for everyone – especially the children. Kids/Teens Can Cope is a group program consisting of five 90-minute sessions. It is offered twice a year, usually in March and November. The program is designed for children and adolescents aged 9 through 19 who have a parent with cancer. Groups consist of both boys and girls and, when numbers warrant, the children are divided in two groups along appropriate age lines.
Kids and Teens Can Cope (PDF)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Introductory group classes are offered to individuals with cancer who wish to learn meditation for personal growth, coping strategies, relaxation and stress reduction. Participants practice the basics of meditation, including mindful body movements (gentle yoga), and learn the benefits of meditation for relaxation and immune system functioning. Each session consists of eight classes and one Saturday meditation retreat. The 8-week sessions are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring at no cost.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (PDF)
Learn more about this program
After Breast Cancer Treatment
Finished breast cancer treatment? Wondering what’s next?
Come join our Mindfulness Meditation, Supportive-Expressive Group Therapy or Stress Management classes! We are looking for former breast cancer patients interested in participating in a study comparing these programs. All classes are free, and your parking expenses will be covered.
Please call (403) 355-3219 for more information.
After Breast Cancer Treatment
Pain Relief Study
If you are a woman with breast cancer , are experiencing pain and are not currently receiving primary treatment, we’d like to hear from you! Researchers are comparing the effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Acupuncture programs on pain, quality of life, fatigue and mood.
Please call (403) 355-3214 for more information.
Meditation and Acupuncture for Pain Relief brochure (PDF)
Online Support Group Study
If you are a woman with breast cancer with limited access to support programs (e.g. live in a rural community), are experiencing distress and are interested in participating in an online support group, we’d like to hear from you!
Please visit http://canada.thewellnesscommunity.org/prairies/** or call 1-877-355-3214 for more information.
Internet Support Groups & Self-Help Learning (PDF)
Tapestry Retreats
Tapestry is a five day retreat designed to provide people living with cancer an opportunity to explore the meaning of cancer in their lives . The program is modeled after the highly regarded Commonweal Cancer Help Program in Bolinas, California but is adapted to the Alberta scene. The goals of the program are to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which patients can enjoy time away from their everyday responsibilities in order to reflect on their cancer and the impact it has made on their lives.
Tapestry - A Retreat Program for People Living with Cancer (PDF)
Learn more about the Tapestry Retreat Program
Exercise Programs
Research has consistently shown that physical activity has many physical and psychological benefits for survivors at all stages of the cancer experience (prevention, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, survivorship). Some of these benefits include reduced treatment-related side effects (fatigue, pain, nausea), improved body composition, improved cardiovascular health, increased survival rates and reduced recurrence rates, decreased stress, depression, and anxiety, and overall improved quality of life. All movement is beneficial, so get active today!
Yoga Program
This gentle 7-week yoga program is based on hatha yoga, but has been modified for people who are particularly stiff, immobile, injured, ill, or under extreme stress. No previous yoga experience is required. The classes are small (10-12 people) to ensure individual attention and safety, and all equipment is provided (i.e., mats, straps, and foam blocks). The program is offered five times per year at various times and locations around the city, and is open to all cancer survivors and caregivers. Please call (403) 210-8482 to register. Classes are free of charge.
Research option – Interested participants will have the option of participating in an ongoing research study related to the program. This study is examining the physical and psychological benefits of the yoga program for cancer survivors. Eligible participants may choose to complete a questionnaire and/or basic fitness testing in the week prior to and following the 7-week program. Please call (403) 210-8482 for more information.
Yoga Program Brochure (PDF)
Classes
To enroll in any class, call (403)355-3207 or e-mail calgarypsychosocial@albertahealthservices.ca .
Prostate Cancer and Sexuality
An information session in which participants learn how treatments for prostate cancer influence sexuality and what can help to overcome these effects . This session is available to any patients receiving treatment for prostate cancer. No registration is required and spouse or partners are welcome to attend.
Prostate Cancer and Sexuality Program (PDF)
For more information, contact Dr. John Robinson at (403) 355-3211.
Prostate Cancer Wellness Information Program
A free program that provides prostate cancer patients with information about a range of services in the community that promote wellness. Information about prostate disease, research findings and treatment options is provided, as well as diagnostic services, confidential couneslling and support.
Prostate Cancer Wellness Information Program (PDF)
How to Get Help for Your Financial and Other Basic Needs
Coping with a cancer diagnosis may create financial burdens for cancer patients and their families. Some people may experience a change in their lifestyle because of a lower income. As well, there may be out-of-pocket expenses for such things as medications, medical supplies, transportation, accommodation and childcare. Attend one of our scheduled classes to learn what resources may be available to you.
Resource Class (How to Get Help for Your Financial and Other Basic Needs) for Cancer Patients and Their Families (PDF)
Coping and Recovery: Stress Management and Relaxation Training Seminar
In this one-day, 6-hour training seminar, participants will learn about the symptoms and effects of stress and be presented with a variety of techniques to help manage stressful situations in everyday life. Open to all patients.
Stress Management Seminar (PDF)
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Department of Psychosocial Resources
Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Holy Cross Site
2202 - 2nd Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2S 3C1
(403) 355-3207
calgarypsychosocial@albertahealthservices.ca
Location Map (PDF)
Tom Baker Cancer Centre parking map (PDF)
Holy Cross Site parking map (PDF)
We also have Resource Counsellors and an on-call service located at Tom Baker Cancer Centre next to the Outpatient Clinic on the ground floor.
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