Support Group Descriptions

Visit Programs & Classes to see support group schedules.

Before joining a Support Group a New Client Visit must be completed with our Director of Clinical Care.  Email Chris@HealingGardenSupport.org to schedule.

Living with Metastatic Cancer

Brianne Carter, LICSW, and Christine Zinke, LICSW, facilitate these groups for those who have any type of metastatic cancer. There are two groups that meet twice per month and focus on issues regarding living with metastatic cancer and all the related treatments, changes in lifestyle and relationships, learning to ask for help, and fears about disability, pain, and end-of-life care. Living in the present, enjoying life as it is now and humor are also important themes in the group.

Post Treatment

Christine Zinke, LICSW, and Erin Moraga Raber, MA, MT-BC,  facilitate these support groups for those who have completed their active treatment for any type of cancer. There are two groups, Wednesday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. Both groups meet twice per month and focus on issues regarding cancer rehabilitation, the influx of emotions, shifts in identity, intersecting factors (financial, work, relationships), management of anxiety, and making meaning of cancer in their lives.

In Treatment

Meredith Hobson, LICSW, facilitates this support group for those who are in any stage of cancer treatment. The group meets twice per month and focuses on issues of new diagnosis and treatment including navigating the medical and healthcare systems, filtering information, adjusting to identity changes, management of side effects, developing coping skills, and building a network of supports.

Living with Cancer Under 50

Meredith Hobson, LICSW, facilitates this support group for adults with any cancer type who are under the age of 50. The group meets twice per month and focuses on the many physical and psychological challenges young adults face including body image, fatigue, fertility, chemo brain, coping with the fear of recurrence, sexual desire/intimacy, managing relationships including children and partners, strength building, and support systems. Sharing resources and building coping skills are significant aspects of this group.

*This group is currently on hold.

Caregivers

Erin Moraga Raber, MA, MT-BC, facilitates this Support Group. The group meets to help caregivers navigate the many challenges of caring for a loved one and taking care of themselves at the same time. Group topics include understanding the role of the caregiver, building a support network, and gaining self-confidence in their role.  

Bereavement Support Series

Christine Zinke, LICSW, leads this support series that will meet for 8 weeks. These support sessions will provide attendees the opportunity to develop coping strategies and offer emotional support through the bereavement process.

LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group

Erin Moraga Raber, MA, MT-BC, facilitates this LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group, providing a safe space where LGBTQIA+ people with cancer and their caregivers can meet with others facing similar challenges in their cancer experience. This group will meet twice per month. 

Young Adult Caregivers (On Hold)

Brianne Carter, LICSW, facilitates this quarterly group designed to support those in their 20s-40s caregiving for parents, spouses, and loved ones. The group is designed to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and distress, help learn new ways of coping, increase feelings of hope and empowerment, provide practical information about treatment and resources, and help with positive communication.

Men’s Support

William Lenderking, Ph.D., facilitates this group which uses the tools of poetry, music, yoga, meditation, and listening to create a space in which to communicate about the challenges of living with cancer and to provide support. This group meets once per month.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Cancer Support Group

Erin Moraga Raber, MA, MT-BC, facilitates this group which will address the specific needs and experiences of the BIPOC community navigating a cancer diagnosis and provide the space for collective support, empowerment, and community building.  The group will meet once a month.

Music Therapy Support Group

Erin Moraga Raber, MA, MT-BC, facilitates this bi-weekly group to help you explore ways to use your voice as an instrument of healing through music therapy and sound healing techniques and will also offer opportunities for group discussion and verbal processing. Experience how music and sound can help cancer patients with pain management, reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy and mental clarity, improve mood, decrease feelings of isolation, and promote emotional transformation and release.