Tag: Stress Relief

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link for the course, please complete the brief questionnaire linked below. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Phebe Duff and Virginia Barnes Ricketts, MS, LCPC

This program is being offered virtually over 8 weeks from Thursday, January 9 through February 27 from 4:00-6:00pm ET. We ask that participants commit to attending all sessions as limited space is available.

This 8-week course is designed to help cancer patients reduce suffering from the pain and stress associated with their illness. The course integrates mindfulness, psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral techniques. All are evidence-based strategies for improving well-being and quality of life in patients experiencing pain. The class includes online instruction and meditation practice, as well as short assignments to complete at home. Participants will learn many new strategies for enhancing a sense of peace in their lives while living with cancer.

Meeting Dates:

  • January 9, 16, 23 & 30
  • February 6, 13, 20 & 27

In order to participate and receive the Zoom link for the course, please complete the brief questionnaire linked here.

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis, a cancer support organization providing various kinds of emotional and other support services to people recently diagnosed with cancer or living
with cancer, family members and caregivers of cancer patients and people who have lost a loved one to cancer. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.

About Virginia Barnes Ricketts, MS, LCPC

Virginia is a psychotherapist in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland serving adults and adult families with a broad range of mental health needs. Virginia has worked for the past five years as a counselor and group leader at Annapolis Wellness House where she has been able to combine her professional training with her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor. Virginia is committed to sharing with her patients the most current information in psychological science, and works to translate research into useful understandings of human behavior. Virginia brings insight into conscious and unconscious mental processes so that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be understood in the most constructive ways. Her goal is to help patients develop strategies for more effectively navigating and enjoying their lives, while continuing to grow as human beings.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link for the course, please click the RSVP button above. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Phebe Duff and Virginia Barnes Ricketts, MS, LCPC

offered in partnership with Wellness House of Annapolis

This program is being offered virtually over 10 weeks from Thursday, March 21 through May 23 from 4:00-6:00pm ET. We ask that participants commit to attending all sessions as limited space is available.

This 10 week course is designed to help cancer patients reduce suffering from the pain and stress associated with their illness. The course integrates mindfulness, psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral techniques. All are evidence-based strategies for improving well-being and quality of life in patients experiencing pain. The class includes online instruction and meditation practice, as well as short assignments to complete at home. Participants will learn many new strategies for enhancing a sense of peace in their lives while living with cancer.

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis, a cancer support organization providing various kinds of emotional and other support services to people recently diagnosed with cancer or living
with cancer, family members and caregivers of cancer patients and people who have lost a loved one to cancer. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.

About Virginia Barnes Ricketts, MS, LCPC

Virginia is a psychotherapist in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland serving adults and adult families with a broad range of mental health needs. Virginia has worked for the past five years as a counselor and group leader at Annapolis Wellness House where she has been able to combine her professional training with her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor. Virginia is committed to sharing with her patients the most current information in psychological science, and works to translate research into useful understandings of human behavior. Virginia brings insight into conscious and unconscious mental processes so that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be understood in the most constructive ways. Her goal is to help patients develop strategies for more effectively navigating and enjoying their lives, while continuing to grow as human beings.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Elena Khazanova

Are you resisting exercise? Is it hard to eat your veggies, or stick to your mindfulness practice? Come to this play-shop, find out which habit to install first (hint: the one that will make the biggest difference), and we will install it together! We will use EFT (Tapping) to release shame, fear and/or anger that are keeping you from moving forward, then learn some brain-based hacks, to create a positive habit and keep it in place.
Suggested Donation: $10

About Elena Khazanova

Elena Khazanova is a holistic psychotherapist, an EFT practitioner and an educator. She has trained 800+ therapists and health care workers to integrate tapping into their work with patients and clients. Elena’s teaching style is accessible, light-hearted and warm and she helps her clients and students remove resistance and fear, and find greater ease and fulfillment through enjoyable, incremental practices.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org.

*Please note that by registering, you consent to have your information shared with LUNGevity. 

with Kiersten Gallagher from Smith Center and Lauren Humphries from LUNGevity

Join LUNGevity Foundation and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts for a relaxing evening of stretching the mind and body at a Virtual Coffeehouse event on Wednesday, April 26 from 5:30-6:30 PM ET. Participate in a guided meditation and some gentle stretching to relieve stress, help balance your emotions, and lift your mood. Then enjoy connecting with friends and meeting others in the lung cancer community over conversation. 

This virtual event will be held via Zoom. All are welcome. Registration is required. Please register by 5:00 PM ET on April 26.

About Lauren Humphries

As Associate Director of Constituent Engagement, Lauren is focused on building, developing, and deepening relationships with patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare providers to create opportunities for meaningful engagement and strategic partnerships with the Foundation. Lauren joined LUNGevity full-time in September 2014. She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit, higher education, and publishing industries.

Lauren earned a Master’s of Science in Communications Management from Towson University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications from Stevenson University. She is driven by making meaningful connections in the lung cancer community and helping others find ways to make a difference. She firmly believes that together, we can have the greatest impact to change outcomes for people living with lung cancer.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher – Cancer Support Programs Director

Kiersten has served as the Cancer Support Program Director for Smith Center since 2014. Before coming to Smith Center, she had the privilege to serve individuals and families living with cancer at Wellness House of Annapolis. Kiersten aims to offer programs to reduce stress and help participants to see the world we live in from different perspectives. She thoroughly enjoys teaching yoga and creativity classes at SmithCenter and encourages gentle movement and creativity in the healing process. Kiersten is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance and also has her YCAT (Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness) Professional Certification through the Integral Yoga Academy. She has completed Patient Navigation training through Smith Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation and has also completed the Commonweal Healing Circles: Advanced Cancer Support Training. Kiersten is also certified in CLIMB®(Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) a program that aims to build upon the strengths of children and increase his/her ability to cope with stress associated with a parent’s illness. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, human relationships and is grateful for each and every day. Kiersten has also completed the Compassion Cultivation Training – CCT™ an 8-week program, developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice. In her spare time, you may find Kiersten laughing with friends, cycling, taking art classes, practicing yoga and spending time with her husband Shane, son Liam, and dogs Beans and Pablo.

About LUNGevity

LUNGevity is changing outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, education, and support.

They are dedicated to funding scientific research because the link between research spending and improved survival is clear. Their strategic investment in both early detection and therapeutics will help people live better with lung cancer and dramatically improve on the current 19% five-year survival rate.

LUNGevity initiatives position them as thought leaders in the lung cancer advocacy community, providing programs and driving change for those with lung cancer today and in the future. While they fund primary research, they also conduct patient-focused research to better understand the unmet needs of patients and convene multi-stakeholder meetings to streamline the research process and accelerate progress to patients.

LUNGevity seeks to empower patients to be active decision makers in their treatment process through their extensive educational resources, online peer-to-peer support, and in-person survivorship programs.

They provide a community of empowerment, support, and hope as well as more than 80 grassroots awareness and fundraising events held from coast to coast each year.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Elena Khazanova

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, or Tapping) is a fast-acting, evidence based mind-body technique that can be used to decrease stress and anxiety, soothe physical or emotional pain, resolve trauma, lift mood, and help with recovery. In this class, we will learn the “tapping points” and go over the basic tapping protocol together. By the end of this class, you will be able to practice tapping at home, as a part of your self-care regimen.

About Elena Khazanova

Elena Khazanova is a holistic psychotherapist, an EFT practitioner and an educator. She has trained 800+ therapists and health care workers to integrate tapping into their work with patients and clients. Elena’s teaching style is accessible, light-hearted and warm.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Stress Release and Finding Ease

Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story

Breathe It Out; Move It Out; Talk It Out

In this program, we will focus on our mind-body connection and explore ways to  have more ease in our lives. With this intention, we will share our personal stories, move and engage with each other in playful ways.

This program is based in affirmation and looking for the good. Our shared, safe space will encourage us to explore our own creativity, find our own answers, and explore practices that enhance our life experience.

Creative movement forms can happen standing and moving within a small space or from a sitting position. Movement can also happen with our videos on or off. You are encouraged to take care of yourself and only participate at your comfort level. All are welcome.

Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story will be offered monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any monthly session. Limited to 12 participants.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • September 15
  • October 20
  • November 17
  • December 15

Suggested Donation: $15

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lesault

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault, a visual artist and sculptor, has practiced and taught art for over 40 years. Liz is also a Coordinator of the DC InterPlay Metro Region, is a certified leader and a member of the DC InterPlay Board. She leads Open Gathering days for InterPlay DC, and organizes and leads workshops regionally and nationally online and in person.

Liz has been leading Art Lab for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, for the Phillips Collection and for InterPlay internationally. Formerly, Liz, was a hotline crisis counselor, for various suicide prevention lifelines and The Trevor Project providing help for LGBTQ youth in crisis and the Prince Georges County Homeless Hotline. Liz has also led InterPlay for elders with chronic illness and cognitive disabilities at Iona Senior Center in Washington DC.

Liz melds her art, teaching, guidance and personal philosophy with InterPlay wisdom, tools and forms.

B.S., Psychology, Drew University, Madison, NJ

M.Ed., University of Massachusetts at Amherst, British Techniques of Open Education

Studied watercolor at WICE, an international arts and cultural association in Paris, France

https://www.lizlescault.com/home

A short video of my current work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZeEG09qJgfacebook.com/LizLescaultSculpture

www.facebook.com/LizLescault (personal page)

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Stress Release and Finding Ease

Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story

Breathe It Out; Move It Out; Talk It Out

In this program, we will focus on our mind-body connection and explore ways to  have more ease in our lives. With this intention, we will share our personal stories, move and engage with each other in playful ways.

This program is based in affirmation and looking for the good. Our shared, safe space will encourage us to explore our own creativity, find our own answers, and explore practices that enhance our life experience.

Creative movement forms can happen standing and moving within a small space or from a sitting position. Movement can also happen with our videos on or off. You are encouraged to take care of yourself and only participate at your comfort level. All are welcome.

Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story will be offered monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any monthly session. Limited to 12 participants.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • August 18 (CANCELLED)
  • September 15
  • October 20
  • November 17
  • December 15

Suggested Donation: $15

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lesault

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault, a visual artist and sculptor, has practiced and taught art for over 40 years. Liz is also a Coordinator of the DC InterPlay Metro Region, is a certified leader and a member of the DC InterPlay Board. She leads Open Gathering days for InterPlay DC, and organizes and leads workshops regionally and nationally online and in person.

Liz has been leading Art Lab for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, for the Phillips Collection and for InterPlay internationally. Formerly, Liz, was a hotline crisis counselor, for various suicide prevention lifelines and The Trevor Project providing help for LGBTQ youth in crisis and the Prince Georges County Homeless Hotline. Liz has also led InterPlay for elders with chronic illness and cognitive disabilities at Iona Senior Center in Washington DC.

Liz melds her art, teaching, guidance and personal philosophy with InterPlay wisdom, tools and forms.

B.S., Psychology, Drew University, Madison, NJ

M.Ed., University of Massachusetts at Amherst, British Techniques of Open Education

Studied watercolor at WICE, an international arts and cultural association in Paris, France

https://www.lizlescault.com/home

A short video of my current work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZeEG09qJgfacebook.com/LizLescaultSculpture

www.facebook.com/LizLescault (personal page)