This chapter describes a group for Family and Friends at Maggie’s, a charity providing free support to people with cancer and their loved ones. Grounded in systemic ideas, narrative therapy and compassion, the group offers a safe, welcoming environment for participants to share experiences, reduce isolation and strengthen identity beyond caregiving. Sessions draw on story-telling, mindfulness and creative practices. Themes include maintaining identity, navigating uncertainty, exploring grief, changing family roles and fostering self-compassion. The concept of reasonable hope encourages participants to pursue meaningful, achievable hopes even in the face of terminal illness. Facilitators combine emotional support with practical guidance on symptoms, treatment and communication with medical teams, while Maggie’s warm, homely environment, helps normalise help-seeking and soothe anxiety. Overall, the chapter highlights how a nurturing setting, narrative approaches and relational support empower caregivers to cope, connect and care for themselves while supporting loved ones with cancer.

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A Systemic Approach to Group Work for Family and Friends of People Living with Cancer

  • Sam Petrie

摘要

This chapter describes a group for Family and Friends at Maggie’s, a charity providing free support to people with cancer and their loved ones. Grounded in systemic ideas, narrative therapy and compassion, the group offers a safe, welcoming environment for participants to share experiences, reduce isolation and strengthen identity beyond caregiving. Sessions draw on story-telling, mindfulness and creative practices. Themes include maintaining identity, navigating uncertainty, exploring grief, changing family roles and fostering self-compassion. The concept of reasonable hope encourages participants to pursue meaningful, achievable hopes even in the face of terminal illness. Facilitators combine emotional support with practical guidance on symptoms, treatment and communication with medical teams, while Maggie’s warm, homely environment, helps normalise help-seeking and soothe anxiety. Overall, the chapter highlights how a nurturing setting, narrative approaches and relational support empower caregivers to cope, connect and care for themselves while supporting loved ones with cancer.