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Our Services
This page will keep you informed about the professional services we provide. For a full list of special programs and educational workshops taking place at the Healing Garden please go to the programs page.
Our complementary therapies are non-medical services that are integrated with prescribed medical treatment for breast cancer. These services often alleviate side effects of cancer treatment as well as contribute positively to one’s energy level, sense of well-being and quality of life.
Acupuncture
An ancient traditional Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture is a technique that involves strengthening chi, the body’s central energy source. Acupuncture is a highly respected therapy and has been proven effective for side effects of cancer treatments, nausea, pain, migraine, menstrual cramps and other conditions. Cynthia McMahon King, RPh, La, is a registered pharmacist and licensed acupuncturist who also offers Chinese herbal consultation, and JoAnn Simon, La, RD, also offers Chinese herbal consultation and nutritional consultation.
Counseling and Support Groups
Our counseling program offers supportive short-term therapy to individuals, couples and families. We also offer separate support groups specific to clients’ needs: for those in treatment, those finished treatment, and those experiencing recurrence or advanced disease. We also offer a Partners Support Group.
Out psychotherapists offer cognitive therapy, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, stress reduction, bereavement support and expressive therapies as tools to help people cope with the emotional impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Medical insurance may be used to cover certain counseling if the client wishes. All our psychotherapists are licensed professionals.
Fran Booth, LICSW, BCD, Helene Gagliano, LICSW, Marilyn Brine Gilmour MSW, LICSW, and Blanche Dietz LICSW, DCSW.
Educational Workshops
Many of our therapists offer workshops and programs in their area of specialty. Workshops include Meditation Training, Nutrition/Supplements, Stress Reduction, Spirituality, Yoga, Gardening as Therapy and others. Many of these workshops are open to the general public. Please go to programs for more updated information.
The Healing Garden also has a library with many books on breast cancer, stress reduction, gardening, herbs and other topics of interest that can be signed out. We have a computer available for research on pertinent websites.
Expressive Therapies
Art, dance and writing are mediums used to express one’s feelings, interpret one’s emotional state and/or express that emotional state in a way that is visual. Several programs using these techniques may be offered as part of a group experience or as separate workshops. Artist Candace Anderson offers expressive therapies at the Healing Garden through her Healing Tapestry workshops; like programs will be advertised in programs .
Focusing
Focusing is a technique that helps identify bodily feelings that are connected to one’s current stresses. Through a guided discussion, one explores thoughts associated with particular body sensations. This mind-body process helps people who are overwhelmed, confused or stressed take compassionate actions with their concerns.
Susan Lennox, Ph.D.
Gardening as Therapy
Gardening is therapeutic in so many ways; offered in the gardening season, programs vary in scope depending on the presenter. Please look under programs for up-to-date offerings.
Massage
Therapeutic massage, one of the oldest practices in health care, offers various techniques of gentle touch that provide relief from both tension and the discomforts of medical treatments. Massage stimulates endorphins and enhances deep relaxation. Polarity balancing and myofascial release are non-rigorous massage practices. Facial and neck massages are extremely refreshing.
- Kathie Lee, LMT, RPP
- Fran Coyne, RE
- Christine Francis, LCMT
- Pam Turci, LMT
Meditation, Visualization, Stress Reduction
These techniques are known to quiet the mind and create images to promote growth and healing. They are easy to learn and very beneficial both emotionally and physically.
Fran Booth LICSW, BCD, leads workshops and provides individual training in these techniques; as does Kathleen Howland, PhD, in music therapy.
Nutritional Consultation
Many treatments for breast cancer interfere with normal eating; these treatments can also be debilitating. After treatment ends many people have either lost or gained weight and feel very low in energy. A consultation will guide one back into healthy eating again.
Stephanie Vangness, MS, RD
Anne Chiavacci, MS, RD
Prepare for Surgery
Using the highly acclaimed program developed by Peggy Huddleston, clients are guided to preparing emotionally, physically and spiritually for surgery. Using visualization and relaxation techniques, clients can gain more control and feel calmer. Ideally, this training takes place one to two weeks prior to surgery. Lisa Whittemore MacDonnell, CMT
Reiki
Reiki is “lying on of hands,” an ancient Chinese touch healing system. The art is in the energy focus through the practitioner’s hands, which awakens the ability to heal. Practitioners have been attuned to channel healing energy in their training with a Reiki Master, who certifies them. Reiki is excellent for many conditions, especially stress-related ones, allowing one to relax and breathe more deeply.
Marilyn Strong, RN, CMRP,Marilyn Brine Gilmour, MSW, LICSW, Lisa Whittemore MacDonnell, CMT.
Reflexology
Foot, hand and outer ear reflexology is used world-wide to treat a variety of conditions. It has been proven in EEG monitoring studies that reflexology has a direct effect on the nervous system. It also decreases pain, increases circulation, and improves the neurological, biochemical and electrical functioning of the body. Lisa Whittemore MacDonnell, CMT and Christine Francis, CMLT
Therapeutic Touch
TT is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices with the intention of re-patterning the client’s energy towards health and balance. TT is beneficial for the reduction of pain and anxiety, the promotion of relaxation, and the enhancement of the body’s own restorative processes. Catherine Collins, RN, MS, CHES
Yoga
Yoga practice benefits both body and mind with its varied stretching and breathing positions. It can evoke improved health and energy, reduce stress and increase flexibility as well as tone all the muscles that balance the body, including internal organs. It also benefits the nervous system. Kathie Lee, LMT, RPP offers yoga individually and in groups. Janet Colantuono, RYT offers a regular Friday morning class.
COST OF SERVICES
We wish to provide services to our clients with no financial barriers. Therefore, each therapist agrees to offer a sliding fee. In addition, some portion of therapists’ time will be offered on a pro bono basis. Some services may be reimbursed by medical insurance. All classes/workshops require advance registration. A workshop is a one-time event and is offered at no charge to clients. Classes meting regularly are offered with no financial barriers, using a sliding scale. Some offerings are open to the public.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Please contact our Executive Assistant, Lana Heino Roman at 978-456-3532, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or lana@healinggarden.net . She will answer questions and schedule an intake appointment for you. At intake, you will provide us with your medical information so we can recommend services best suited for you. You will learn about the Healing Garden and our programs. Anyone with breast cancer, no matter when diagnosed, is welcome to come to the Healing Garden for services.
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