Cancer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 have 9 years of experience in working with adults diagnosed with cancer. I have expertise in evidence-based interventions for coping with the many challenges that come alongside the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. I can work with you to help you have the best quality of life possible while navigating this often traumatizing experience.

Cancer Support: Compassionate Guidance: As someone who understands the emotional and physical toll of cancer, I provide empathetic support to individuals and their loved ones. Coping Strategies: Learn effective coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, grief, and uncertainty during cancer treatment. Navigating Transitions: Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in remission, or dealing with survivorship, I’m here to help you navigate the journey.

My internship was focused solely on people diagnosed with cancer and family and loved ones who had someone in their life diagnosed. I did individual, couples', and group therapy with folks as they navigated the terrain of grief, fear, hope, and loss.

I spent a decade at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer so I am very experienced in helping people with all stages of cancer including the transition to survivorship and understanding prognosis. One in three of us will get cancer and the majority of cases are cured but it ain't an easy road. My help can make a huge difference at this time of vulnerability.

Are unsure of how to navigate your diagnosis and treatment? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your physical health/illness, mental health, and complexities of the healthcare system? In a caregiving role and finding it challenging to manage that AND all of your other roles and responsibilities? All of this plus more are normal experiences to have in reaction to a cancer or other health diagnoses. We have health expertise dating back to 2003 and are passionate about supporting people with this.

It’s the word no one wants to hear and is challenging for the survivor and the support people around them. I will help you navigate the feelings that are bound to surface during and after treatment, how to process all of the information you need to make the right decisions, and an provide an extra source of support through these challenges.

Suffering as a result of loss or unexpected trauma like cancer is quite undesirable, but these shocks in life can be the catapult toward growth and transformation. I know this to be true from first hand experience. I am a cancer survivor. I can help you process and navigate the anxiety, depression, exhaustion, isolation, and hopelessness you may feel after a cancer diagnosis so that you will not only experience joy again, but live life to the fullest.

I am a two time cancer survivor. I have experience as an oncology social worker (both inpatient and outpatient).

Trained at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for a Phase III randomized clinical trial on lifestyle intervention, Valerie coached BWEL Study participants for over 6 years. Valerie supported breast cancer survivors in achieving and maintaining sustainable lifestyle changes, including long-term weight loss, stress reduction and improvements in overall mental health and wellbeing.