Self-help coaching: support services for cancer patients
Trained self-help coaches advise tumor patients in the acute and rehabilitation phase / Self-help experts at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg investigate the impact of coaching on psychological well-being and quality of life
Cancer brings with it a variety of burdens. In addition to professional psychosocial support services, offers from peers are becoming increasingly important in order to cope well with this. In the self-help coaching program of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF at the Medical Center of University of Freiburg, specially trained former cancer patients offer discussions and exchange of experiences with tumor patients in the acute and rehabilitation phase. The number of free one-to-one meetings depends on the patient's needs. The discussions can either take place in rehabilitation clinics and other oncology centers or at the location of the patient's choice, via an online platform or by telephone. The coaching program is expected to run until the end of February 2022.
Self-help coaching for greater mental well-being
"Previous research on self-help coaching has shown that such programs can have a positive effect on patients' mental well-being and quality of life," says Prof. Dr. Joachim Weis, holder of the endowed professorship for self-help research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - University of Freiburg, whose team is scientifically investigating the effects of coaching as part of the "ExPEERtise" project. "The coaches offer practical and emotional support, show possible coping strategies and promote confidence and self-efficacy in the patients."
For the Freiburg project, 13 former cancer patients from Freiburg and the surrounding area who have completed their oncology treatment and successfully come to terms with their illness were trained. The self-help coaches receive regular supervision from psychological specialists during the period in which the coaching sessions take place.
Interested patients wanted
Patients with a diagnosed tumor disease in the acute phase or rehabilitation who are interested in one or more conversations with a self-help coach can call 0761 270-71565 or send an email to alice.valjanow@uniklinik-freiburg.de. Further information can be found at www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/cccf/forschung/selbsthilfeforschung/coaching-projekt
Contact for prospective students:
Alice Valjanow
Endowed Professorship for Self-Help Research
Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Phone: 0761 270-71565
alice.valjanow@uniklinik-freiburg.de
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