ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the therapeutic approach that was adopted to deliver the virtual group therapy. It focuses on the challenges and successes of the service, with a particular focus on the ability to maintain psychologically meaningful connections via telehealth technology in a remote environment. The immunosuppression faced by chemotherapy clients clearly limited our ability to deliver face-to-face group sessions, even without the added burden of travel. Chemotherapy patients already regularly travel significant distances to receive their treatment, and also often suffer nausea and fatigue. A systematic review had suggested positive outcomes for online group peer support, and so it seemed an ideal opportunity to trial videoconferencing. Working with technology as a partner in therapy raises particular anxieties about managing the therapy space. The experience has shown that telehealth appears to offer a valuable space to connect and support people and has unique benefits for clients living in a rural area undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
