Q: We have just discovered that one young man from our group has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the adolescent cancer unit. The group has been together for five years and is devastated and talk about it non-stop. What should I do?
This is a huge shock for the group. It's important they try to engage with the issue, rather than ignore it.
There are several ways of supporting them to do this. Talk openly about it, encourage them to ask questions and talk about their fears and worries. I would develop a relationship with the cancer unit, take the group along and hold a few sessions there. Cancer units usually encourage young patients to have as normal a stay as possible, so readily encourage visits from friends and so on.
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