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Working together
I can help you navigate your life-altering illness in a variety of ways. We can work together privately, either in person or by phone, and include your family and/or caregivers when appropriate. Or you may choose to join a support group, which I facilitate by phone. Some clients choose to combine individual sessions and the group support.
If we meet in person, I can visit you at your home or in the hospital, or you can come see me in either my Oakland or Corte Madera office. We’ll decide together which location best suits your needs and circumstances.
Individuals and families
Groups
Individuals and families
Step 1 – Free phone consultation
(30 minutes)
We begin with a free phone session during which I learn a little about you, your medical issues and the support you are seeking. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, and, most importantly, to feel if I am the right person to provide that support. If and when you decide that we are a good fit, we’ll make an appointment for an assessment meeting.
Step 2 – Assessment
(approximately 1½ hours)
During our time together, we will review your specific challenges, questions and concerns. We’ll explore your strengths and resources, and how best to use them.
By the end of the assessment, we will have identified potential challenges that might arise as a result of your medical condition, course of treatment, personal style and family dynamics. You’ll have a better sense of your goals, priorities, fears and concerns – and most importantly, some ideas about how to handle them.
Step 3 – Follow-up phone session
Our next step after the assessment is a follow-up session by phone. We’ll talk about how you are doing, and you can ask questions and clarify any unresolved issues.
Step 4 – You decide what's next
You may decide that the assessment and follow-up are enough, and our work together would be finished at that point. There might be times, however, when you may want periodic follow-up sessions to receive additional support for specific issues or challenges. I am available to schedule time together as needed to support you through any difficulties.
Or you may wish to schedule regular sessions for ongoing practical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support. If you prefer to work together over time, I’m available to walk with you each step of the way, especially through the tough times.
Groups
Ongoing phone support for patients and caregivers
I offer two groups - one for patients and one for caregivers – that meet by phone twice a month for 1½ hours. Up to eight members make a three-month commitment, providing continuity, community and growing trust. Connecting with other patients or caregivers in a small group often provides a great source of mutual support, information and understanding in addition to the structure and focused expertise I provide.
Since it is likely that members may occasionally miss a session, our meetings will be recorded (with participants’ permission) and available ONLY to group members for review.
Please contact me by email or phone - 322-151-3639 (Puerto Vallarta), 415-456-0745 (San Francisco area) - for availability and information about either group.
Retreats
I offer renewal retreats for clients and for caregivers twice a year. Please check back for details or email me if you’d like to know more.
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Read my article: What you should know before your next doctor visit.
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