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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

You've got either the first diagnosis ... or now you need to cope with relapse. Acknowledging the strengths you possess can help to counteract the struggles that come with treatment -- from surgery to chemotherapy to radiation to immunotherapy. Let's talk openly. Let me collaborate with you to make this chapter of your life one you face with courage (heart), with honesty about your feelings, and with hope. We work in partnership. I am not authoritarian. Let's get started.

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 worked with a local area hospice for almost 14 years as their Senior Grief Specialist. I supported individuals and families dealing with cancer and end of life issues. I have also supported people dealing with more chronic types of illness/cancer/disabilities and caregiving issues.

I have worked for several years with cancer patients as a palliative care social worker, providing therapy for patients and their loved ones. I have also been diagnosed twice with cancer.

Life always contains stressors and a chronic diagnoses can be the most major source of stress and disappointment in a person’s life. I help clients to see their diagnosis in the context of their life, and objectively examine how they respond to stressors while learning to fold them into their continuing narrative. I have worked in diverse medical centers with clients who have both life-threatening and non-acute chronic illnesses.

My recent experience has been supporting cancer patients and their loved ones for the last 6+ years. I can help you navigate the oncology world and cope with feelings that arise from cancer, both as a patient and as a caregiver. Additionally, therapy can help start or continue your healing process if you have ever lost a loved one to cancer. Grief never goes away, but with the right tools, you can still find joy in remembering your loved one.

I have been working with the oncology population for over 5 years and I am certified oncology therapist. Provide support for newly diagnosed patients and their families, help with treatment symptoms, managing anxiety, and managing the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis. We will work together to help you manage strong emotions, find meaning, improve communication and problem solving.

Trained at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for a Phase III randomized clinical trial on lifestyle intervention, Valerie has coached breast cancer survivors in achieving and maintaining sustainable lifestyle changes, including long-term weight loss, stress reduction and improvements in overall health and wellness.

Experienced Oncology Clinical Social Worker.

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.