Cancer

My wife was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer when she was 35 weeks pregnant with our second child and is now thankfully in remission. I was her primary caregiver throughout her treatment/recovery and was able to help her process her trauma and access Post-Traumatic Growth. This first-hand lived experience allows me to understand and empathize with the unique mental health challenges cancer poses for patients, caregivers and their families.

I work with cancer patients in treatment and after to process the trauma of diagnosis and treatment. This work often includes helping clients explore the existential concerns of death, freedom, isolation, and meaning, which often come as a result of having cancer. Other aspects of treatment might include: body image, sexual concerns, family dynamics, and trauma. I also work with couples and families, as cancer is a family disease.

Cancer is the reason I became a counselor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and in 2016 decided to go to graduate school to become a counselor so that I can serve fellow cancer survivors and terminally ill clients. I am not afraid to talk about pain, death, religion, sexuality, or whatever other issues come up as a result of a cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, and survivorship.

Certified oncology social worker. No one needs to face cancer alone & good medicine is not enough! 28 years in integrated cancer care using a person-centered, mindfulness-based approach. Honed expertise in supporting people in all phases of cancer - in treatment, post-treatment survivorship, end of life. Other serious & chronic illnesses, eg. cystic fibrosis, HIV, autoimmune diseases, dialysis, cardiac conditions, and those thriving after organ transplantation.

I have been providing individual therapy to people living with cancer for the past 4 years. I have also been fortunate to be able to connect with people in the community and present on topics related to mental health and cancer.

I am a cancer survivor and know first-hand the entire cancer process. I have also lost family members due to cancer. There is such a range of feelings and emotions from the onset, medical procedures, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, re-assimilation as a survivor, and recurrence anxiety! It helps to have someone who has been through the journey and a place to process and gain a better view of things. My counseling practice is here to support you if you are a patient or family member.

Most family members I have lost have been to Cancer- including my teenage son in 2005. I have extensive experience as a loved one as well as a continued fascination with the evolution of treatment. The idea- as with other medical dilemmas, is to get to the point that Cancer is a chronic disease when not curable. And we are getting there! Still, this diagnosis provides ample opportunity for existential exploration as well as some good grief work.

Cancer is one of the areas I enjoy working with the most in Grief and Loss. I will help you find joy and purpose again in life since your cancer diagnosis and navigate the loss maze that feels never ending. I utilize a variety of approaches to treat these issues including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Brainspotting.

I am a cancer survivor and know first-hand what the cancer journey is all about. Whether you are a patient or family member, I am here to help you. The emotional roller coaster is a lot to handle - symptoms, tests, diagnoses, treatment, recovery, assimilation, survivorship, and recurrence anxiety. It can really help to have someone help you walk through this whole process. My goal is help you transform your diagnosis and cope with whatever happens.

As a cancer support group leader and facilitator at a local hospital for individuals, I can help you find the courage to work through what you're experiencing, with support and guidance and provide you with tools to manage your toughest days.