FirstHealth to Offer Journaling Group for Cancer Patients, Survivors
| Date Posted: 4/5/2013 | Author: Mandy McCue
PINEHURST – After World War II, concentration camp survivor Viktor Frankl wrote a book about his experiences in Auschwitz that has since sold more than 10 million copies and been translated into 24 languages. A survey conducted by the Book of the Month Club and the Library of Congress said it belongs on a list of the “10 most influential books in the United States.” 
In his book, Frankl described how even during the horrors of concentration camp life he was able to find a meaningful purpose and then imagine having a future based on that purpose.
Participants in a new FirstHealth of the Carolinas journal writing group for cancer patients and survivors will read the book as an introduction to journaling with a focus on “meaning,” according to licensed clinical social worker Beth Dietrich, LCSW.
“In the group setting, we will listen to how the book evokes the thoughts of others and maybe challenge our own beliefs about meaning,” Dietrich says. “How do I define my meaning? What are my responsibilities? My hope is that we bring together a group of individuals who search themselves while reading this and enhance or increase their sense of meaning every day.”
The “Making Meaning through Journal Writing” group will meet for the first time on Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m. and continue to meet the third Thursday of each month at the same time in the library of the Clara McLean House, 20 FirstVillage Drive, Pinehurst.
Copies of the Frankl book will be provided by The Foundation of FirstHealth.
The journaling group will be led by Dietrich, who has been a licensed clinical social worker with the FirstHealthCancerCenter since 2006. Participation in the group is open to men and women who have had cancer in the past or who are currently in treatment for cancer.
“I am looking forward to starting this group for our patients and survivors,” Dietrich says.
Participation in the Making Meaning through Journal Writing support group is free, but anyone planning to attend should RSVP by calling (910) 715-4230 or emailing lkuzma@firsthealth.org.
