Cancer

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

I work with people who have been diagnosed with cancer, especially if it has progressed to a later stage.

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer or other serious/chronic illness, everything can change in an instant. The emotional and practical concerns can be overwhelming, unfamiliar & ever changing. From diagnosis through survivorship, I provide client-centered, solutions-focused expertise to help you process thoughts & feelings; improve coping for depression, anxiety, loss, physical changes & treatment side effects; and connect you to additional resources for the support you need.

My personal and professional experiences have shaped my passion for working with individuals and support systems of those impacted by cancer. A cancer diagnosis does more than impact your body, it changes your entire life and identity. I am motivated to provide the support an individual needs throughout the healing journey.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Whether you are currently undergoing treatment, in remission and dealing with the unknown of cancer returning, or nearing the end of your life, I can help. My expertise is in health psychology, meaning that I’ve practiced alongside doctors and nurses, understand medical diagnoses and treatment, and worked with many clients who have been in your shoes. Let’s navigate cancer together.

My specialty is not only psychoeducational, but also support patients and caregivers at all stages of cancer, including terminal illness.

Much of my counseling experience has been in medical settings, including designing and implementing counseling services in the Cancer Center, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Our physical and emotional health are very connected, and my experience includes helping clients manage the stress and fear of medical issues, the grief and loss of health and activity, and navigating important relationships that may now seem to revolve around an illness. You are more than a diagnosis.

I have worked with clients suffering from a variety of cancers at one of the nation's leading cancer hospitals, Cooper University Hospital/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Jersey. My experience includes both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for cancer victims, including relaxation treatment during chemotherapy.