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 Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors

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 Price

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.

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.

with Susi Wyss

Writing for Healing

Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!

Suggested Materials:

- A few sheets of plain, unlined paper
- A favorite pen
- Your favorite art materials for paper (e.g., colored markers, colored pencils or pens, crayons or pastels, paints, or collage materials)

Suggested Donation: $10

About Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

We’re thrilled to announce that our Young Adult Supper Club is back! Join other young adult cancer survivors (in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s) and friends around the table to share a delicious meal and good conversation in Smith Center’s healing kitchen. You will assist Chef Kara with making fresh pita bread to enjoy alongside a Middle Eastern-inspired dinner menu. You will learn how to make a quick pita dough*, roll, and watch your pita puff as you learn to cook them in the oven or on the stovetop. You will then use your fresh-made pita to make a delicious apple stuffed dessert. You will even get to take home pita dough to make at home! The best part of the evening is coming together to enjoy the fruits of your labor along with a full menu provided by Chef Kara. The menu includes:

Beet Hummus

Babaghanoush

Yogurt Dip with Herbed Garlic oil (contains dairy)

Fattoush salad

Vegetable Maqluba (“upside-down” layered rice)

Stuffed Pita Pies

Partners/Caregivers/Friends are welcome to attend. BYOB. The supper club will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 participants. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, March 5th to confirm attendance. When registering, please indicate any guest(s) that will be joining you. If you are interested in assisting Chef Kara prepare the meal, please contact us at programs@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.

Note: This program is open to young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s.

*Please contact us in advance to accommodate gluten restrictions, as well as any other dietary allergies or preferences. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability and class size. Every individual’s needs are unique. We aim to offer a variety of health-promoting options for each individual to consider, but do not prescribe the specific dietary content of any program for anyone.

Address:

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15

About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

PART 1/2. This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you are interested in joining, please register by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA & Kiersten Gallagher

offered in partnership with the Ulman Foundation

SC Writes for YACS

Welcome back to SC Writes for YACS, where we will deepen our writing and sharing in a safe and supportive environment. No writing experience required. Activities will include mindfulness practices, writing exercises, and reflective practices.

Stay tuned for the theme of this SC Writes series.

Group members are encouraged to attend all sessions, but missing one session is fine. This series has limited capacity and therefore attendance is important. To illustrate, we use all sessions to foster community and build an open space for sharing.

SC Writes for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) is a 2-part program series that will meet on Tuesday, February 27th and March 5th from 1:30-3pm EST.

Suggested Donation: $10/session

About Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

Mindy Brodsky specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. Mindy honors her clients as the experts of their lives, and she strives to provide a supportive and safe environment.

After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are to help them achieve their goals.

About Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing erin@smithcenter.org.

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