Webinar: Communication
It seems everyone has an opinion on cancer and they aren’t afraid to share it with you. But how do you manage and respond to these comments?
Having cancer can affect your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. This may be because cancer is stressful, tiring and upsetting, or as a result of more positive changes to your values, priorities, or outlook on life. People close to you may deal with cancer in different ways, for example, by being overly positive, playing down fears, or keeping a distance. Friends and family may say things like “but you look fine”, “your treatment has finished now” and “the cancer has gone, hasn’t it?” They may have difficulty accepting that you may still need support or that some symptoms can persist for long periods of time or may never go away. It’s natural for family and friends to want the distress and disruption of cancer to be behind you. They care about you and want you to be well. However, if you find their reactions difficult to handle, you may need some strategies to help you manage. This webinar aims to provide strategies to help you manage social relationships, particularly in the lead up to the festive season which can be a very challenging time.
Panellists
Mick Miller
Mick was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer in 2013 with his treatment including a 70 day stay in hospital. Following the completion of his treatment Mick embarked on a journey of discovery and recovery. Circumnavigating Australia in his 1968 sky blue Volkswagen Beetle named “The Rocket” and raising funds and awareness for post cancer recovery. He has just published a book of his adventures called – “Travelling Australia Micks Way”. Mick has worked for over twenty five years as a sports coach. He’s worked with elite athletes chasing Olympic glory, world champions, professional Rugby Union & League teams, America’s Cup campaigns, and up-and-coming youth champions. He develops and implements strategies for individuals, athletes, teams, corporate employees and CEO’s. Mick also specialises in working in partnership with businesses to coach individuals and teams.
Gabrielle Asprey
Gabrielle has been with Cancer Council NSW since 2006. Over the years she has been involved in the development and implementation of a broad range of programs and services for cancer patients, survivors and carers, such as ENRICH (healthy lifestyle program) and the Cancer Counselling program. Now, as one of the Cancer Support Consultants within the Peer Support Unit, her role includes facilitating telephone support groups, counselling and moderating the Online Community discussions. She also delivers the Accidental Counselling Workshop to staff and volunteers. Gabrielle is a qualified counsellor, specialising in the impact of a cancer diagnosis, grief and bereavement.
Sophia Wooldridge
Sophia Wooldridge is a Senior Clinical Psychologist from the Psycho-Oncology Service at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle. Her work involves helping people with cancer and their carers to manage the emotional, social, and health challenges arising from cancer. As a Clinical Psychologist, she has a focus on supporting people experiencing depression, anxiety or any other mental illness in the context of their cancer. Sophia has a particular passion for improving oncology service provision to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.