Topic: Emotional Support

Close-up of two sets of hands clasping one another.

What NOT to Say to a Cancer Patient | Newsletter Issue 9

Published by on December 17, 2018 | Share your thoughts

You can either love or dread spending time with your family over the holidays, but one thing is certain: if someone in your family has cancer, other people may struggle with what to say or how to handle their own emotions in the situation. Susan Silk is a clinical psychologist who developed something called the Ring Theory – a simple template for how to act around people in a crisis situation. Her Ring Theory can help cancer patients and caregivers have a better understanding of how to navigate their emotional needs. This can come in particularly handy at Christmas! → Feel More Supported with These Resources Check out Issue 9 of the CTOAM newsletter to learn about how the Ring Theory can help you and your loved ones. Do you...
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Graphic illustration of Susan Silk's Ring Theory

What is the Ring Theory for Cancer Patients?

Published by on December 16, 2018 | Share your thoughts

How to Support a Loved One with Cancer The inspiration for the Ring Theory began when psychologist Susan Silk had breast cancer. She underwent surgery for it, and during her recovery in the hospital, Susan found that she didn’t feel like having visitors. This is a common feeling for many cancer patients – they’re exhausted by treatment or the emotional toll, and simply don’t have energy to give to others. But Susan quickly learned that her friends didn’t necessarily understand this. When she tried explaining to a colleague, who had come to visit, that she just wasn’t in the mood, it didn’t go well: her colleague responded to Susan by saying, “This isn’t about you!” Meaning that, Susan’s needs were a lower priority that those...
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