By: Lianne Trachtenberg, PhD, Psychologist (Supervised Practice), Toronto General Research Institute
Along with the emotional toll that breast cancer and its treatments can cause, many women face challenges coping with changes to their appearance, sexuality and overall sense of self. Restoring Body Image After Breast Cancer (ReBIC) is a 10-week support group focused on helping women with concerns about their body image and/or sexual function. ReBIC was developed in 2006 in a pilot study and later in a randomized trial and has since helped countless women improve their body image after cancer treatment.ReBIC support group:
- Is a 10 week program held once a week
- Explores, shares,and processes themes around body image, sexuality and identity change
- Includes information on current research, and factors that can add to self-esteem
- Includes strategies to manage body-specific distress and sexual function issues
- Uses guided imagery exercises
A past group member shared her comments after participating in ReBIC:
I learned & shared a lot... I learned to face reality, touch my scar and look at myself in the mirror. My self-esteem went up and I became less self-conscious of my cancer scar... I feel stronger now.
When: Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: ELLICSR: Health, Wellness & Cancer Survivorship Centre
Toronto General Hospital, Munk Building, Basement Level, Room B PMB-130
585 University Ave, Toronto ON
Registration: Required. There is no fee. Call 416-581-8155
The ReBIC support group is run by:
- Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, PhD RN
- Dr. Lianne Trachtenberg, PhD Psycologist (Supervised Practice)
