At Cancer Wellness Support, we believe improving access to lymphoedema care requires more than services alone. It requires ongoing investment in the people who deliver that care.

Our Mentoring and Supervision Pilot Program is an initiative designed to support lymphoedema therapists through structured mentoring, reflective practice, and professional connection.

This pilot program creates dedicated space for therapists to deepen their clinical thinking, share experiences, strengthen confidence, and feel supported in managing the complexities of lymphoedema care.

This forms part of Cancer Wellness Support’s broader strategic goal of becoming a Local Lead Agency for Lymphoedema Management within our region. Over recent years, we have continued building this capability through expanded programs, partnerships, technology investment, and improving community access to care.

About our Mentoring and Supervision Pilot Program 

Five lymphoedema therapists are participating in the program, running from April to July 2026. Participants represent a range of experience levels, from new practitioners entering the field to experienced therapists seeking renewed inspiration and connection in their work.

The program has been carefully designed to provide structured professional support through a combination of mentoring, reflective practice, and shared learning opportunities, including:

• An introductory group networking session to establish expectations, introduce participants, and identify shared learning goals
• Six individual mentoring sessions per therapist with Stacey Bradshaw, Lymphoedema Occupational Therapist
• Six individual reflective practice sessions per therapist with Viv Maitland, Client Services Manager
• A post-program evaluation survey to assess participant experiences and program outcomes.

Together, these elements aim to strengthen therapist capability, support the availability of skilled practitioners, and enhance the delivery of lymphoedema services within our community.

Clinical Mentoring in Action

The one-on-one mentoring sessions with Stacey Bradshaw focus on providing practical clinical guidance and support in managing complex lymphoedema presentations.

As lymphoedema care continues to evolve, ongoing learning and professional development remain essential for therapists working in the field. Sessions provide opportunities to explore clinical cases, reflect on treatment approaches, strengthen practical problem-solving skills, and stay current with emerging practices and technologies, including tools such as the SOZO machine.

A strong focus throughout the mentoring has been reinforcing the importance of the five-pronged approach to lymphoedema management, helping therapists feel more confident and equipped in delivering comprehensive care.

The Importance of Reflective Practice

Alongside clinical mentoring, therapists are participating in reflective practice sessions facilitated by Viv Maitland.

These sessions provide a safe and supportive space for therapists to step back from day-to-day clinical work and explore their experiences, professional insight, and personal wellbeing.

Working in a caring profession, therapists walk alongside people during periods of significant life change, uncertainty, and grief, offering care and support through complex health journeys. In doing so, they often carry the emotional impact of their work, which is why ongoing reflection and professional support are so important.

This provides therapists with a supportive space to ask themselves things like:

• What is being brought up for me in this work?
• How do I respond internally to the stories and experiences I hear?
• How do I maintain healthy professional boundaries while staying present and engaged?
• What rituals help me transition in between clients and from work to home?
• How do I continue to care for my own wellbeing so I can continue to care for others?

A key message throughout the program has been that reflective practice is not indulgent – it is essential to ensure therapists are well-supported, grounded, and able to continue providing compassionate care.

Therapists are encouraged to “stand outside themselves” and develop greater awareness of what happens between themselves and their clients. The sessions reinforce that therapists do not need to solve everything for everyone. Instead, their role is to help each client achieve the best outcome for them, recognising that this will look different for every individual.

Each therapist has been encouraged to bring whatever they need into the room, resulting in many “lightbulb moments,” real-life problem solving, and honest conversations around the realities of working in cancer care.

Importantly, the sessions have been designed to help therapists feel held and supported in the same way they strive to support their own clients.

Early Impact Already Emerging

The response from participants so far has been incredibly positive.

Therapists have fully embraced the opportunity and are deeply engaged in the process, despite having busy professional and personal lives. There has already been a noticeable shift in energy, confidence, and commitment among participants as they prioritise time for their mentoring and reflective practice sessions.

By investing in mentoring, reflective practice, and professional connection, we aim to grow and sustain a confident and connected community of lymphoedema therapists to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community now and into the future.

Thank You to James N. Kirby Foundation

We are incredibly grateful to James N. Kirby Foundation, whose generous support has made this important initiative possible.

Their funding has removed the financial burden that therapists would typically carry to access this level of professional development, allowing participants to fully engage in mentoring, reflective practice, and learning opportunities.

Their belief in our purpose of providing affordable cancer support within our community and helping strengthen the future of lymphoedema care is making a meaningful difference.