Family Life Mental Health Center

	Specialists In Mental Health Services

Services: Health Psychology

Program Description

Health Psychology Group is an ongoing group designed to provide support for individuals who have a significant medical problem which affects their mental health. It is also helpful for individuals whose mental health issues make managing medical problems more difficult. Clients appropriate for this group include, but are not limited to, those with Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Stroke, MS, Fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions.

Program Content

The group is both education and psychotherapeutic in nature. Individuals will learn to manage stress in healthy ways such as relaxation and self hypnosis. Communication with primary care physicians regarding client progress is highly recommended but will be made only if client agrees.

Goals

	To help individuals understand the interaction between physical and mental health issues.
	To process grief and loss that frequently accompanies medical problems
	To more effectively manage anxiety and depression that frequently accompanies serious medical illness.
	To learn self-advocacy with in the medical system.
	Deal with the issues that arise in relationships/family where chronic/debilitating illness is present.