The cancer patient and their family members experience a host of powerful emotions following a diagnosis.  Some of the most common responses may include the following:  depression, anxiety, a sense of being overwhelmed, shock, denial, hopelessness, powerlessness and fear.

Counseling with a trained, licensed counselor can be a vital link of support in a time of crisis.  Counseling can offer a safe, non-threatening place to express and sort through intense thoughts and feelings.

Through counseling there is an opportunity to learn and increase coping skills and to gain focus and a balanced perspective.  This results in more positive thinking and a sense of control over circumstances.  It can also reduce stress and boost the immune system.

The support of counseling can turn a crisis into a challenge.  No matter what the prognosis, emotional healing can take place.

Cancer patients, their family members and the bereaved in the community can find free group and individual counseling through the Cancer Society of Greenville County at 113 Mills Avenue. 

GROUPS - Meetings are held at the Cancer Society of Greenville County

Patient Group - 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.

Breast Cancer Group for ages 20's, 30's and 40's - 1st Thursday at 12 Noon - see below

Breast Cancer Group for ages 50 and above - 3rd Thursday at 12 Noon - see below

Caregiver/Family Group - 2nd Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

Grief Groups are for people who have lost a loved one for any reason, not just cancer.

Grief for newly bereaved - 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 12 Noon

Grief for bereaved over 1 year - 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

For individual counseling for cancer patients, family members and those that have experienced the loss of a loved one, call for an appointment - 864-232-8439.  Appointments are held at the Cancer Society of Greenville County.

COUNSELING FOR CHILDREN

• Parrott's Pals - A peer support group for children coping with a loved one's life threatening illness or death. The group meets at Brookwood Church, 580 Brookwood Pointe Place, Simpsonville, Exit 31 from I-385, Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  For more information call the Cancer Society of Greenville County at 864-232-8439.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS

The Cancer Society of Greenville County sponsors two  Breast Cancer support groups for women who have either recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, going through treatment or have already completed treatment.  These groups will meet at our office at 113 Mills Avenue on the 1st Thursday, 12 noon (for women in the 20's thru 40's age group) and on the 3rd Thursday, 12 noon (for women in their 50's and above).  For questions, please call 864-232-8439.  Research shows that those who participate in support groups gain hope, strengthen their will to live and feel less alone.