Informed and Experienced

I also provide “Beyond Mastectomy Counseling” (Mastectomy Support Counseling) anyone experiencing mastectomy because of a breast cancer diagnosis or a choice to prevent breast cancer (prophylactic mastectomy). As a licensed and experienced psychotherapist AND two time breast cancer survivor (2006 and 2009 - whole breast radiation therapy, adjunctive chemotherapy, bi-lateral mastectomy and partial reconstruction), I am uniquely qualified to support clients in their treatment experience.  

In private practice I have worked individually with women, non-binary folks, and men challenged by breast cancer.  I also have experience running an "Expressive Journaling Group for Breast Cancer Survivors focused on Body Image" at Women & Infant's Hospital as part of the Integrative Care Cancer Program (Providence, RI). 

If you are recently diagnosed, some of the help I can provide are immediate support after diagnosis, informed assistance with treatment decision making (in collaboration with your doctor), preparing for medical procedures from a holistic perspective (addressing mind, body, spirt), and helping you to concretely plan for post-operative or post-treatment recouperative care.  

If you are living with breast cancer or transitioning beyond it, I can also offer counseling support.  I will provide a safe space for you to grieve any losses to the body and to make sense of your experience in ways that strengthen you, rather than limit you.  I can guide you in exploring issues related to sexuality, new body image, any changes to current romantic relationships or concerns about dating again for people who are single. I can also help you clarify your sense of mortality and spirituality, and in identifying what this experience means in the course of your life.  

Sometimes there is a mourning in the experience - there is a process here - but then our emphasis would be on reconnection to one's wisest, strongest self, and to a re-claiming of the body that feels full and satisfying.  This might be achieved not only with talk therapy, but with mind-body approaches, mindfulness, ritual (decided upon by the client), writing, and art.  The path will be determined by you and what you know is the next step in healing.  

For those who want support for when bandages are removed: I am happy to be witness, holding space over video or telephone, at this important time. My knowing is that for people living alone or those without in-home emotions support, this can be very supportive.