Cancer

I have worked through cancer and other health concerns.

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.

I have journeyed through cancer and other health issues.

I worked for 3 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center as an inpatient social work counselor. As a social worker at MD Anderson, I specialized in providing supportive individual/group counseling to hematology patients. At MD Anderson I facilitated the Blood Cancer/Stem Cell Transplant Support Group, where I worked extensively with patients and caregivers whose lives were affected by cancer and treatment.

As a cancer survivor I offer insight into navigating significant life changes, and options for growth.

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

I completed my entire counseling training working within the cancer/chronic illness field and continue to do so. I am passionate about helping clients discover ways to regain control and feel "patient active" after a serious diagnosis.

I have been working with bay area cancer connections, a cancer support nonprofit since 2009 . After going through my own cancer journey, I started up the young women cancer group for BACC and have been with the agency since then. I also provide individual therapy to those in need. One of my past clients called me her cancer sherpa. Which I love. Like a skilled sherpa if I can help you navigate through this difficult journey as one who has traveled it regularly with others I would be honored.

I have been working in oncology for the past 5 years, first in a hospital setting at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and then in a non-profit, CancerCare. I have worked with people with all different types of cancer and at all stages of their disease, including post-treatment/survivorship. I have also worked with family members/caregiver and those who have lost a loved one to 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.

I have personal experience with cancer and enjoy being able to help cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones. Specifically, working with survivors with transitioning back to life after cancer and/or dealing with issues during post-cancer life.