SOUTH PORTLAND — A new four-week, evening workshop series for people dealing with a cancer diagnosis begins on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Cancer Community Center.

The workshop series, Emotions as Allies, will explore how it is possible to shift perspective and learn to welcome emotions as powerful allies during the cancer journey. The series is for anyone touched by cancer, their own or that of a friend or family member.

Led by Ben Thompson, M.D. and The Rev. Todd Glacy, M.A., the series will use small group discussion, writing, music, meditation and creative expression to explore anger, grief, depression, frustration and other emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis. The goal is to discover the gifts and insights these emotions have to offer.

Thompson is a family physician who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1999 and had a recurrence of the disease in 2006. He is also the spouse of a two-time cancer survivor. Thompson says his background has given him a unique perspective. “My experiences have clearly shown me that every day is precious and every day is a gift. I see my own cancer diagnosis as the single greatest gift of my life,” said Thompson. Speaking about the Emotions as Allies workshop series, Thompson said, “I want to share the gifts that cancer has given me and help others to see the positive aspects of the experience that can make them grow in ways they never imagined possible.”

Glacy is a musician, counselor, Interfaith Minister, facilitator and spiritual/life coach. He offers workshops and classes for groups and individuals with a primary focus on relaxation, emotional processing, music/sound healing, meditation and yoga practice.

The series will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 3 at the Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St. The series is limited to 12 participants and advance registration is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to commit to the entire series.

To learn more or to register, contact the Cancer Community Center at 774-2200 or sign up at CancerCommunityCenter.org.