This program is currently full. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.
with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C and Susan Oetgen
offered in partnership with Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown
Meaning-Centered Group for Cancer Survivors Group*
Meaning-Centered Group is largely based on the work of existential psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl and was developed for those facing illness. Meaning-Centered Group aims to decrease feelings of sadness and increase hope by teaching participants how to focus on creating, experiencing, and keeping a sense of meaning in life. Research shows that MCG is very helpful to those who have experienced cancer. During this 8-session weekly group, participants will learn:
- To cope better by finding and creating a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
- How sources of meaning can be used to help you during hard times.
- New ways to face and overcome the challenges caused by your illness.
MCG is meant to help participants look for meaning in their past, present, future and everyday life through teaching, answering questions together, doing homework assignments, and discussions with the group. MCG helps participants use meaning in life to gain a greater sense of purpose.
This group is meant for Cancer Survivors finished with their main treatments or those living with metastatic disease.
This program is provided thanks to generous funding from The Washington Home and offered in partnership between Smith Center for Healing and the Arts & the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
Meaning-Centered Group for Cancer Survivors* will be offered as a closed group program from March 13th – May 8th, 2024 (No session on 03/27) via Zoom. It will be offered for 8 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30pm ET.
*Registration will be closed at 10 participants. Before registering, be sure that you can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions.
Program Dates:
- March 13 & 20
- April 3, 10, 17 & 4
- May 1 & 8
About Erin Price, MSW, 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 seven-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 Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.
About Susan Oetgen
Susan Oetgen is an intern with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts’s therapy program. Currently working towards a master’s degree in mental health counseling and expressive arts therapy at Lesley University, Susan is dedicated to the arts as a trauma-informed, culturally responsive pathway to healing for individuals and communities. Her current creative wellness inspirations include herbal medicine, hot yoga and slow fashion.
