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.

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 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.

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.

Serious medical illness can weave a complex web, bringing with it a set of obstacles for which I am personally familiar. This is an experience that is difficult to understand unless you have been through it—and having had ovarian cancer and chemotherapy myself, I am particularly sensitive to the constellation of emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial challenges associated with life-altering diagnoses.

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.

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 more than just a medical issue, it touches so many parts of your life and the lives of those around you and the impact doesn't end with the end of treatment. As a cancer survivor, I am passionate about supporting other young adult cancer survivors in a space where you don't have to be a warrior or hold other people's emotions. You can be angry, utterly lost, disconnected, anxious, whatever emotion you are experiencing without pressure to put on a smiley face.

I have worked with individuals, couples, and families who were navigating a cancer diagnosis or care giving responsibilities. The medical system and the experience of a serious illness can be overwhelming and create or worsen mental health and relationship issues, and I am trained in supporting people as they navigate these life changing events.

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 worked with individuals, couples, and families who were navigating a cancer diagnosis or care giving responsibilities. The medical system and the experience of a serious illness can be overwhelming and create or worsen mental health and relationship issues, and I am trained in supporting people as they navigate these life changing events.