IPSON Conference 2026 Post-Conference Workshops

IPSON will be hosting two post-conference workshops on Friday, March 20th. You can register for one or both workshops. They are 20 euros/each. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance for attending the complete workshop.

Attendance is limited; early registration is encouraged.

Workshop 1: Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM): An Introductory Workshop

Presented by Laura Foran, Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Canada

Description: This interactive introductory workshop provides clinicians with a clinically grounded overview of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), a brief, evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals living with advanced cancer and their caregivers. The session explores how meaning-oriented and relational processes can be engaged alongside distress, uncertainty, and ongoing threat in serious illness.

Participants will be introduced to the theoretical foundations, core structure, and therapeutic stance of CALM, with attention to four key domains: symptom management and communication with healthcare providers; changes in self and close relationships; spirituality, meaning, and purpose; and preparing for the future, hope, and mortality. Through brief conceptual input, clinical examples, and guided discussion, the workshop highlights how CALM supports patients in navigating existential concerns while maintaining psychological flexibility and connection.

This workshop is intended for clinicians seeking a conceptual orientation to CALM and its relevance within psychosocial oncology care, and serves as a preparatory foundation for the full CALM intensive training.

Date: Friday, 20 March 2026

Time: 9.30am-12pm

Location: National College of Ireland, Dublin 1

Workshop 2: From Distress to Growth: Cultivating Post-Traumatic Growth in Cancer Survivors

Presented by Anna Nisyraiou and Maria Vasilopoulou, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Greece
Description: This interactive workshop offers clinicians a practical and clinically grounded approach to working with post-traumatic growth (PTG) in cancer care. Participants will explore how growth-related processes may emerge in psychotherapy alongside distress, uncertainty, and ongoing threat, and how these processes can be recognised and thoughtfully supported in everyday psycho-oncology practice.

Participants will be introduced to a coherent framework for understanding PTG as a dynamic, relational, and meaning-oriented process, relevant across different cancer stages and treatment contexts. The workshop will combine brief conceptual input with guided discussion and reflection on clinical situations in which PTG-related themes may arise, such as changes in identity, priorities, relationships, or sense of meaning. Attention will be given to therapist stance, timing, and clinical sensitivity when engaging with growth-related material, particularly when distress remains present.

This workshop is intended for clinicians who wish to deepen their conceptual understanding of PTG and begin integrating a PTG-informed lens into assessment, formulation, and therapeutic conversations within routine cancer care.

Date: Friday, 20 March 2026

Time: 1pm -3:30pm

Location: National College of Ireland, Dublin 1

Presenters

Laura Foran

Laura Foran is a dedicated social worker and the Manager of the CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully) National Program at the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC). In this role, she leads national efforts to implement CALM — an evidence-based psychosocial intervention designed to support individuals living with advanced cancer and their families by addressing emotional distress, communication challenges, relationships, and meaning in life. Through strategic program development, clinician training, and collaborative partnerships, Laura works to expand access to high-quality psychosocial care across cancer care settings, helping ensure that people affected by cancer receive integrated support that honours both their psychological and medical needs.

Anna Nisyraiou

Anna is a clinical psychologist and post-doctoral researcher in health psychology with a focus on evaluating psychosocial interventions and their real-world impact. Drawing on nine years of clinical experience as a trained therapist, her work centres on advancing patient and family empowerment, supporting psychological well-being, and strengthening shared decision-making in healthcare. Anna's professional interests include promoting compassionate, person-centred care and enhancing communication skills to improve healthcare experiences. She is committed to contributing to evidence-based practice and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare settings.

Maria Vasilopoulou

Maria is a counselling psychologist whose research spans health psychology and positive psychology. Her work focuses on patient–partner dyads in cancer care, couple dynamics, adaptation to illness, and patient and caregiver empowerment. She has a particular interest in treatment preferences and the role of communication skills in healthcare settings, with the aim of strengthening patient–provider interactions and supporting informed, shared decision-making in medical care.

Limited tickets available - early registration is encouraged! Registration fee is non-refundable.

For questions or further details, email: [email protected]

Getting to the National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, Dublin 1.

Please note that parking at NCI is very limited and it is recommended to travel by public transport. Further information on getting to NCI is available here: https://ncisupporthub.ncirl.ie/hc/en-ie/articles/6666959823388-How-do-I-get-to-NCI-campus#:~:text=You%20can%20travel%20to%20NCI,located%20across%20from%20Connolly%20station

Kindly supported by National College of Ireland and the National Cancer Control Programme

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Host or Publisher Irish Psychosocial Oncology Network