Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM)
CALM is a counselling approach for those diagnosed with advanced cancer.
It is designed to alleviate distress, with counselling focused on four topics:
- symptom management and communication with healthcare providers;
- changes in self and relations with close others;
- sense of meaning and purpose; and
- the future and mortality.
What is included in counselling?
- Conversations about symptom management
- Hope, meaning, and the future
- Questionnaires to focus therapy
- There is also the opportunity to include a loved one
If you'd like more information...
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions section below, and feel free to get in touch if you still have questions.
Is CALM a fit for you?
Please contact us if you'd like to get involved, or if you'd like to make a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions that are not covered here, please feel free to contact Carly Sears, the CALM project assistant, at (403) 476 - 2458.
The CALM intervention is intended for adults with advanced cancer.
Counselling is provided by our team of trained counselling professionals. Our lead clinician is Dr. Janet de Groot.
From 2020 - 2022, CALM counselling was provided as part of the CALM Implementation Study. Participants in the study were asked to complete three questionnaire packages over the course of counselling sessions (before the first session, after 3 months, and after 6 months). Although recruitment for CALM Implementation Study is now closed, CALM counselling will continue to be provided by Dr. Janet de Groot through TBCC Psychosocial Oncology.
Research has shown that CALM sessions with a trained counselling professional help to reduce and prevent psychological distress. Counselling sessions are designed to help people with advanced cancer and their close others manage commonly experienced practical and profound concerns related to advanced disease.
You will meet with your counsellor for three to six sessions, with the option of additional sessions if desired.
Appointments are available from Monday to Friday.
Counselling sessions are provided virtually using the AHS-licensed Zoom Virtual Platform. More information on using Zoom can be found on our Zoom Resource Page.
In-person and telephone appointments are also available.
The first appointment will take about 60-90 minutes. Additional appointments will be scheduled over the next 6 months, for a total of three to six appointments. You are encouraged to ask a close other (partner, adult child, close family member/friend) to attend with you.
The CALM Implementation Study
More information on the CALM Implementation Study for clinicians and academics.
The CALM Study Team
Learn more about the CALM team.
Registration and Referrals
Contact the study team to if you are interested in participating, or if you are a service provider who would like to refer a patient.