This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you are interested in joining this series,  email programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Ashley Ashford and Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is an evidence-based modality that can be used to cope with some of life’s most difficult challenges and obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis. DBT offers a variety of skills to help with emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. In this 4-week educational program, you will learn various DBT-based skills that can help you cope with emotional challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship. By participating in this program you gain tools you can can use to feel more in control of your ability to cope with cancer and its after-effects.

This group is open to any adult who has received a cancer diagnosis and is currently at any point in treatment or survivorship. Each session will consist of a mindfulness practice, psycho-education, as well as, skill presentation and practice. You will be encouraged to practice the mindfulness exercises and skills taught in between sessions. The content learned each week will build on the previous weeks, so we encourage you to register for the program only if you are able to commit to attend each of the four sessions.

This group will meet on Thursdays from 3:00-4:30pm ET.

Session Dates:

• March 23
• March 30
• April 6
• April 13

About Ashley Ashford

Ashley is a student at Simmons University, obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Her area of focus is mental health. She has a Bachelors in Science with a focus in Public Health. Ashley has over 11 years of experience in the healthcare field which includes working in clinical and clerical roles. She is currently completing her final semester of internship at Smith Center providing mental health therapy for cancer patients. Ashley developed a passion for social work and mental health therapy while working in the healthcare field. Working behind the scenes revealed many of the flaws in the healthcare system. She wanted to be apart of the solution in helping people navigate through those flaws.

Ashley is passionate about improving the quality of life and health of individuals by, helping people navigate through difficult life situations through advocacy, and providing therapeutic support to all social identities. Her desire is to make an impact and imprint and be an influence amongst others as a mental health therapist. Ashley’s goal as a social worker and mental health therapist is to one day open a healthcare clinic in her community which will aid in addressing some of the complications of the socio-economic issues in her community.

About Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A ten-year+ breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through the Association of Oncology Social Workers, the Young Survival Coalition, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.