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Don't Get Stressed, Get SMART!

Published Date
Author Ailish Mackey, Social Work Intern

Swedish Cancer Institute is offering a free 8-week SMART program for patients in active treatment as well as patients in survivorship. SMART stands for Stress Management and Resiliency Training, and is led by trained oncology social workers. The SMART program was developed by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a research-proven program. This program can help you develop self-care tools that help you manage stress, reduce cancer treatment symptoms & side effects, and enhance your overall quality of life.

During this 8-week program, participants will learn how to recognize their own personal response to stress, meditative techniques to help elicit their relaxation response, how to change their thought patterns and emotional lookout and techniques that can improve eating, sleeping and psychical activity.

Participation in this program can improve many medical conditions such as

  • Anxiety
  • Asthma or allergies
  • Chronic pain
  • Cancer side effects and symptoms
  • Mild to moderate depression
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches or migraines

FAQ

Q: Do I have to be a patient at Swedish to join?

A: No! Our SMART group is open to anyone who is in active treatment or who is in survivorship.

Q: Do I have to attend every meeting?

A: In order for maximum benefit we ask that you attend all 8 sessions. If you anticipate missing more than 2 sessions we ask that you please consider SMART at a different time.

Q: What do I need in order to participate?

A: Patients need access to a computer, internet, and webcam to participate as well as being able to log into zoom. A smart phone that is able to download and run zoom would be acceptable as well.

Q: Is this a support group?

A: This is not a support group in the traditional sense. This class will hopefully be supportive, but is more about developing skills to manage stress/ anxiety in day to day life, and supporting and strengthening a mindfulness practice.

Q: How big are the groups?

A: The ideal group size is 6-10 people. Once group size has been reached, those who register will be put on a waitlist for the next session.

Q: How do I register?

A: For more information about SMART or to register, please call 206-386-3228. Registration is required.

 

FALL 2021 - All classes are held virtually

General Patient Group

Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

September 22 – November 10

 

Family Caregivers

Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m.

September 28 – November 16

 

Hematology Group: Sponsored by LLS

Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

September 27- November 15