I had the opportunity of working with women who were living with breast cancer more than 20 years ago through a program funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It was an incredible opportunity to give women in a low-income and minority community bodywork and therapeutic support that they wouldn’t typically be able to access. When the program began, I was excited because I knew that the program was a unique opportunity. But what I didn’t know was that these women would teach me some of the most important things that I still use in every session with my clients today.
A lot of the women I worked with were dealing with both the physical pain of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as the emotional pain of anxiety, grief, and not knowing what would happen next. I sought out specialized training in Oncology Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage, Acupressure, Reflexology, and CranioSacral Therapy so that I could safely serve people with cancer. And while that training helped me to feel more equipped to work with people with complex medical histories, what a lot of them really wanted wasn’t skill; they needed compassion and to be regarded as whole.
I learned that being there for people when they’re vulnerable is more important than trying to fix anything. Sometimes, just sitting quietly with someone and accepting them as they are is the best way to heal. That experience became a key part of how I work with all of my clients: making a safe space for their body, mind, and soul to be completely present.
Working with my clients’ scar tissue, lymphedema, and other negative effects of treatment taught me that the body is an amazing messenger of strength. These women’s bodies told stories of strength and adaptation. Learning to listen with sensitivity (by detecting small changes in tissue, breathing, and nervous system responses) made me better at sensing what the body is saying in all of my clients today. Whether they are dealing with illness, stress, or simply looking for deeper alignment in life, I do my best to pay close attention to every little message.
Sometimes, when working with people in active cancer treatment, I just rest my hand on a body part, and other times I carefully massage around delicate areas. And my clients would relax, and I realized that healing does not require force. Gentle, mindful touch can help the nervous system relax, lessen fear, and make it easier for the body to heal itself. This is still how I do bodywork today: I aim to choose touch that makes the body feel safe and comfortable instead of pushing it with touch that is too deep or forceful.
I also learned that healing is never only physical. Emotional support, spiritual connection, and compassionate listening are just as essential as the bodywork. Many clients wanted to talk about their fears, or share their gratitude, or just have a connection with someone who isn’t a doctor or nurse wanting to do more tests.
Those years working at Mercy Hospital in Chicago changed me in ways I’ll never fully comprehend. Through that experience, I learned how to see each person who walks through my door as a whole person and to listen intently, touch lightly, hold space with compassion, and trust the body’s innate wisdom.
I think about the women I worked with through that program a lot. That experience taught me that healing isn’t just about eliminating pain or managing symptoms; it’s about finding presence, dignity, and support along the way. And that’s the spirit I try to bring to every bodywork or coaching session I provide today.
