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Psycho-Oncology Services

Psycho-Oncology Service Logo
The Psycho-Oncology Service is for People Affected by cancer. Mahi Tautoko Hinengaro The Psycho-Oncology Service
Te Ara Whatumana He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
What is the most important thing
in this world?
It is people, it is people, it is
people

Maori Proverb.

Meaning of Te Ara Whatumana

Te Ara Whatumana refers to the pathway to deeper
emotions. This name was given to the Psycho-
Oncology Service by its kaumatua in May 2006.
Te Ara Whatumanawa can be interpreted at many
different levels. Whatu refers to the eyes. Manawa can
refer to the heart, breath, emotions. Ara refers to a
pathway. The experience of cancer will lead you and
your whanau (family) down different pathways.
Your journey will be unique, as will your emotional
experiences.

The Service

The Psycho-Oncology Service/Te Ara Whatumanawa
works with people affected by cancer to improve the
quality of their lives, by reducing distress, discussing
coping strategies, improving adjustment, and assisting
with decisions about information needs, and treatment
choices. Its aim is reflected in the name, which emphasises the psychological aspects of cancer treatment.

The psychologists in the team are based at the
Psychology Clinic at Massey University, but can see people at other locations, and can talk to you about what will work best for you when we arrange the appointment.

The service is free for the user, funded by the District
Health Board.

The team
Referral
How can Psychology be useful?
What is available for me and my family/whanau?
What can I expect?
Contact

The Team

The Psycho-Oncology team is made up of clinical psychologists who have a wide range of skills and can work with people of all ages.

Referral

Any medical, nursing, or other health professional can refer you and/or a member of your family/whanau, to the service This could be a health professional working in the hospital or those working in the community, such as your general practitioner or
Mäori health provider.

How can Psychology be useful?

Many people find the cancer experience very distressing. Psychological skills and strategies are important resources available to you in dealing with some aspects of cancer.
Psychology is the science of how and why people behave, think, feel and relate to others the way they do. People can improve their coping abilities by using psychological techniques to:

Make decisions and solve problems
Manage stress levels
Reduce physical symptoms like pain
anticipatory nausea, and panic attacks
Recognise and address any fears, anxiety or
depression they might be experiencing
Improve relationship skills
Build support networks
Improve self-esteem and self-image
Acquire information or decrease information
overload
Assist with meaning, purpose, wairua and
spiritual concerns

What is available for me and my family/whanau?

The service can work with you and or your family/whanau in a
number of ways.

You can meet a psychologist on your own, or with your partner, and/or other family members present. Sometimes the partner of a person affected by cancer can find it useful to meet with one of our team on their own.The service also runs regular workshops and groups. Stress management, coping after diagnosis, and adjusting tolife after treatment, are examples of the kinds of topics that might be covered.

Information about these groups is posted on the notice board in the Regional Cancer Treatment Service, Addis House and on this website.

What can I expect?

The first meeting is usually spent talking with a psychologist about your situation, so that together you can make a plan to work through what you are experiencing. This involves some talking and thinking on your part because this can help you adjust to what is happening in your life. We work from the point of view that thoughts, beliefs and attitudes have a big
influence on the way you feel. So, by being aware of the way your own thoughts affect your feelings you can improve the way you face your cancer experience.