Taking Back Control of Your Life – ADAPT through Grief #1

We often think of grief and loss as related to the loss of an individual, but feelings of loss and grief apply to much more than we think. Grief is a universal experience and with the diagnosis of cancer comes a grief process, for patients, caregivers, and any family members involved. You may experience feelings of loss and grief in terms of a loss of sense of identity, life pre-cancer, body image or changes to your body due to treatment/surgery, a sense of independence, sense of control, changes to your family routines, health, etc. What this loss and grieving process looks like or feels like is so unique, and can be challenging to navigate.

This four-part series explores why we grieve the way we do and how to take back control of a process that seems overwhelming and messy. Led by grief counsellor Joelle McKiernan, she brings a unique perspective both from a personal and a professional point of view. Diagnosed with cancer in October 2020, she began her own exploration of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the grieving process. Join us in learning about the grieving process as an adaption and a means of renewal, understanding strategies on how to navigate this, and take back control of your life. Throughout the series, the acronym ADAPT will be used to help us understand our own grieving process.

Facilitator: Joelle McKiernan, Grief Counsellor & Wellspring Program Leader