Psychological Support, Mind-Body Approaches,
Groups and Counseling

People facing a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery have recognized for a long time the importance of psychological counseling, self-expression and support. There is strong scientific literature that supports the value of these services in helping patients and family members live fully while learning to manage the challenges associated with cancer, its treatments and the many phases of care.

The Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology is committed to optimizing the psychological well being of patients and family members and provides services with a dedicated staff of psychologists, oncology social workers and other mind/body specialists.

For our UCLA patients and family members, we offer comprehensive psychosocial assessment and counseling. Interventions are oriented toward helping patients and family members to regain control and well-being while reducing the psychological stress of cancer. We also provide individualized opportunities to learn mind/body techniques for living with cancer and optimizing wellness.

In addition, we have a psychiatrist who is available for medication consultations.

Groups are a major resource available to our patients. Our groups are facilitated by professionals to optimize living fully after a cancer diagnosis. We have groups of all kinds for patients, family members and significant others. While all groups allow some self-expression, our groups use multiple modalities including sharing experiences, art therapy, meditation, and Qi Gong as examples. Some groups function as traditional support groups while others have integrative approaches built into the structure of them. Groups provide opportunities to learn from others, to express oneself in creative forms, to develop coping strategies and to restore oneself. Many people find great value in these groups and sometimes join more than one because of the variety of experiences.

We offer a variety of groups.

Examples of some of our groups include:

• Husbands (Partners) of Women with Cancer: When a woman is diagnosed with cancer it can alter life for both partners, creating parallel journeys.Research indicates that men benefit from other men’s experiences and use the group to find the best ways to support their partners.

• Healing Through Art: Requiring no art skills, this weekly group utilizes art making (drawing, painting, box making, collage, etc.) to explore, reveal and express the issues faced by individuals with cancer

• Young Adults with Cancer: A monthly support group for those under 40 who are currently being treated for cancer and face unique challenges.

• Lung Cancer: A weekly support groups for patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer and their family members.

• Family and Friends: A support group for those who provide love, assistance and support to an adult relative or friend with cancer.

• Living Beyond Limits: A support group for women with metastatic or recurrent cancer offering information, support and comfort from others who understand.

• patients with breast cancer and DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ): Separate support groups for patients with early stage breast cancer and DCIS.

• Looking Ahead: Support for individuals with a history of cancer but who are no longer on treatment.