Healing
the Mind, Body & Spirit
Complementary therapies help patients explore the changes
cancer makes in their lives From diagnosis
to treatment and beyond, cancer takes everyone involved through
a world of experiences. Healing arts programs-which may also
be called complementary ther-apy programs-offer such services
as music therapy, art therapy, massage and stress management
techniques. Cancer patients within the U-M Health System have
the option to experience a healing arts program at either
the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center (in Ann Arbor, Michigan);
or at the Assarian Cancer Center (in Novi, Michigan).
Shannon Scott, irector of the UM Cancer Center's Complementary
Therapies Program |
The U-M Cancer Center's Complementary Therapies Program (formerly
known as the MindBodySpirit Program) has recently gained a
new program director. Shannon Scott, who many Cancer Center
patients knew as the Coordinator of the Center's Art Therapy
Program, became the director of the Complementary Therapies
Program in the spring.
This is an exciting new role for Ms. Scott, and she is looking
forward to broadening the scope of the program. It will focus
on an evidence-based approach, dedicated to offering patients
established therapies and educational classes to complement
their existing medical care.
The Complementary Therapies Program encourages patients to
participate in a variety of offerings that nurture the whole
person. Art therapy, music, gentle movement, journaling, guided
imagery and massage are available to patients. Other classes
and workshops are open to patients and families, and include
Reiki, herbs, yoga, acupuncture, tai chi, meditation, spirtuality,
as well as other mind-body interventions.
Art and art therapy remain an important focus. This fall,
art therapy continues offering two groups for patients. The
Art Therapy Group is an eight-week therapy group in which
art is used to process personal thoughts and feelings related
to living with cancer. (No art experience is necessary.)
The Art Techniques class features com-munity artists who
volunteer their time and expertise to introduce patients to
a variety of art materials and teach techniques for using
the different media. The Ann Arbor Weaver's Guild will visit
to teach patients weaving with a loom that has recently been
acquired with the assistance of weaver Bob Owen. The Voices
Art Gallery showcases the artwork of those who have been touched
by cancer. These pieces reflect stories and experiences of
patients of all ages.
Patients practice oodworking in the U-M's Art Techniques
Class. |
Just as the Cancer Center did last year, a Family Retreat
for patients and families will take place on October 26, in
cooperation with the Saint Joseph Mercy Cancer Care Center.
Held at the Matthaei Botanical Garden, this event offers a
unique opportunity for family and friends to come together
and share their cancer experience.
U-M Cancer Center patients who are seen at the Assarian Cancer
Center are also encouraged to take advantage of programs and
services available through the Providence Center for the Healing
Arts. The Assarian Cancer Center- a joint venture between
Providence Hospital and the U-M-is located in Novi, Michigan.
Elena Weissman supervises the Assarian Healing Arts Program,
which is based on a philosophy of wholeness and healing. Patients
and families can participate in yoga, meditation, massage
therapy, Reiki, Healing Touch, guided imagery, and art and
music classes and workshops. In addition, nutrition, patient
education, support programs, art workshops and ceramics are
offered through the Healing Arts Program. Like the U-M Complementary
Therapies Program, there is an Art Gallery.
The Assarian Cancer Center also features a Science Gallery
that focuses on making sense of the scientific ideas, methods
and concepts related to cancer. It houses an interactive kiosk
with five educational modules that describe scientific concepts
from cell division to DNA in an entertainingand accessible
format.
Yoga takes place in the Assarian enter's Reflection
Space. |
A unique feature of the Assarian Cancer Center is its architecture,
which has been designed to complement the Healing Arts Program.
At the center or heart of the
building, on the first floor, is the Reflection Space. This
large, glass-enclosed room, often called the Soulscape, features
original artwork, stone sculptures and fountains.
The best way for patients and families at the Assarian Cancer
Center to get oriented to the Healing Arts programs available
to them is by coming to BOOST Camp. This all-day program provides
a comprehensive overview and orientation to the Center for
the Healing Arts.
BOOST Camp is held on the first Wednes-day of each month.
It is an all-day program, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is currently
free for all cancer patients. Registration is required
and space is limited; please call (248) 465-4490 for more
information or to register.
Information about the U-M Cancer Center's Complementary Therapies
Program (as well as the Family Retreat) is available on the
Cancer Center's web
site; or please call (734) 615-4012.
Most of the services within the U-M's Complementary Therapies
Program rely upon private support. Individuals wishing to
contribute to these efforts should call (734) 764-7170; or
give on-line.
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