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15/06/2009
Art Therapy To Aid Cancer Patients
A new art therapy service has been launched for cancer patients.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation has started the scheme in Carrickfergus and the surrounding area.
Local mother of three, Janice Ferguson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer has attended UCF art therapy sessions said: "Being diagnosed with cancer and its subsequent treatment not only takes a physical toll on your body but it also has a huge impact on your state of mind.
"Everyone reacts differently to cancer. One-to-one counselling wasn't for me but I was aware that UCF provided an alternative support service through art therapy, so I thought that I would give it a try and I'm glad I did," she said.
"My mother and brother both died from cancer and art therapy helped me release a lot of frustration and anger which had built up inside.
"Not everyone can put into words how they feel but art therapy provided me with an outlet and I left the sessions feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders," she noted.
Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist at UCF said: "Cancer can make people feel that they have lost control, it can increase feelings of isolation and reduce a person's self-esteem. However research has shown that creating art can have a positive impact by helping the healing process - improving the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the participant.
"For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.
"Art therapy can help communicate anxiety and stress and in my experience many participants gain relief from painful and troubled feelings through the creative process as well as through chatting to others who are in a similar situation.
"It also provides time-out for relaxation which can lead to a greater sense of well-being."
Starting on the 8th July the group will meet every Wednesday for six weeks at the Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus from 11am – 12.30pm and all cancer patients are welcome.
See: UCF
(BMcC/JM)
The Ulster Cancer Foundation has started the scheme in Carrickfergus and the surrounding area.
Local mother of three, Janice Ferguson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer has attended UCF art therapy sessions said: "Being diagnosed with cancer and its subsequent treatment not only takes a physical toll on your body but it also has a huge impact on your state of mind.
"Everyone reacts differently to cancer. One-to-one counselling wasn't for me but I was aware that UCF provided an alternative support service through art therapy, so I thought that I would give it a try and I'm glad I did," she said.
"My mother and brother both died from cancer and art therapy helped me release a lot of frustration and anger which had built up inside.
"Not everyone can put into words how they feel but art therapy provided me with an outlet and I left the sessions feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders," she noted.
Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist at UCF said: "Cancer can make people feel that they have lost control, it can increase feelings of isolation and reduce a person's self-esteem. However research has shown that creating art can have a positive impact by helping the healing process - improving the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the participant.
"For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.
"Art therapy can help communicate anxiety and stress and in my experience many participants gain relief from painful and troubled feelings through the creative process as well as through chatting to others who are in a similar situation.
"It also provides time-out for relaxation which can lead to a greater sense of well-being."
Starting on the 8th July the group will meet every Wednesday for six weeks at the Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus from 11am – 12.30pm and all cancer patients are welcome.
See: UCF
(BMcC/JM)
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