June 15, 2009
Write to Heal: Mills Breast Cancer Institute Offers Therapeutic Writing Support Group
The words "you have breast cancer" evoke fear and anxiety in every one of the thousands of women who receives this diagnosis. There are many ways of coping with the disease, but writing about their feelings has proven therapeutic for many. As part of Mills Breast Cancer Institute's commitment to create an environment where patients find the support and resources they need to heal and cope with breast cancer, they will offer women a place to write about their breast cancer journey. This new support group begins June 25.
"I am sure Linda would have been thrilled with this new support group," said Doug Mills. "She understood the range of emotions women with breast cancer go through." It was the generosity of Linda and Doug Mills that enabled The Carle Foundation to build Mills Breast Cancer Institute.
Based on a model developed by Sharon Bray, Ed.D., who taught a workshop for Mills Breast Cancer Institute in 2006, the writing group will be open to all newly diagnosed (up to one year) patients with breast cancer, regardless of where they receive clinical care. No writing ability is required, only the desire to commit feelings to paper. Prompts such as excerpts from poetry or other literature or guided meditations direct the writing that is done in the group. Participants may choose to share their work with the other group members or keep their writing to themselves. The therapeutic writing group process allows for free expression of thought without judgment or analysis for those who choose to share.
Nia Klein, a breast cancer survivor, will facilitate the therapeutic writing group. Ms. Klein, a writer and graduate student in composition studies, earned her leadership certification under Dr. Bray after her own experience of the healing power of writing. Now she is working with Carle Foundation Hospital and Mills Breast Cancer Institute to add a therapeutic writing group to the repertoire of comprehensive support services offered to women struggling to cope with this devastating disease.
Patricia Johnson, M.D., clinical director of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute and a Carle Clinic oncologist, believes this program will help many of her patients work through the emotional side of breast cancer. "The combination of Nia's interest in writing and experience as a patient with breast cancer provides the perfect opportunity to launch this type of support group," according to Dr. Johnson.
The group will meet weekly on Thursdays starting June 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Houseworth Conference Room, second floor of Mills Breast Cancer Institute. Registration is limited, so please call: Nia Klein at (217) 383-4820 to reserve your place. Ms. Klein may be reached at the same number for further information.