Cancer Patients Survive, Thrive and Explore Intimacy with Support, Community

Oct. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Cancer survivors often struggle to navigate changes in their bodies, life and relationships following the grueling ordeal of treatment. Now, two new programs from the Maitri Center for Women and Sexual Wellbeing Asheville, http://maitricenterforwomen.org/, offer support to individuals who are once again ready to reorganize their lives meaningfully and embrace the fullness of life in relationship.

 "After weeks or months of treatment, doctor’s appointments, and a consuming focus on survival, many cancer patients believe finding your way back to passion and joy in relationship can seem too good to be true,” says Marsha Rand, a leading therapist and head of the Maitri Center, who will facilitate the groups and counseling services.

  “With these programs, reintegrating and reorganizing one’s life after cancer treatment does not have to be a solo journey. Exploring the next phase is a much richer process with support and community."

 The two programs include:

● Thriving After Cancer, which offers a combination of services tailored to
individual women and men to aid in the journey of healing and serves the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

● Woman, Cancer, Intimacy, an open, ongoing group program for women coping with changes in their bodies, sexuality and relationships as a result of cancer.

 “Cancer may change how a woman sees herself, yet not necessarily in a negative way,” Rand says. “Women will come together to support and be supported, to learn from each other and from professionals.”

  Individuals who are unable to attend sessions in person may also be eligible for distance support options via the internet, says Rand. Information about distance support options may be found at the website, http://maitricenterforwomen.org/.

Women Cancer Intimacy begins Wednesday, Nov. 14, from noon-1:30 p.m, as an open, ongoing class, $25 per session. Thriving After Cancer is offered on an private basis for individuals and couples. For more information or to register, call Marsha Rand, (828) 772-5315. The Maitri Center for Women is at 41 Clayton St. or http://maitricenterforwomen.org/