In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Cindy Spence, a massage therapist specializing in oncology and hospice care. Cindy shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the incredible impact of massage therapy in end-of-life care. From discussing the differences between hospice and palliative care to the unique skills and emotional resilience required for this work, Cindy's wisdom and compassion shine through. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the profound importance of providing comfort and support during life's final moments. Tune in ..read more

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Becky Kuehn, founder of Oncology Spa Solutions, to delve into the field of oncology aesthetics. Becky, a licensed master aesthetician, shares her inspiring journey from her personal cancer diagnosis to becoming a passionate advocate and educator in the field of oncology aesthetics. With over 40 hospitals now providing oncology-trained aesthetic services, Becky's vision of ensuring that every cancer patient receives compassionate care is becoming a reality. Listeners will gain insight into the specialized training and ..read more

Lymphedema can be a challenging condition to live with, and it's important for clinicians to help their clients access their inner wisdom and find a sense of peace. The following meditation, recommended by Kathleen Lisson, can help your clients feel more centered and calm when they come to your office for a massage or treatment. By incorporating this simple meditation into your intake process, you can help your clients feel more relaxed and open to the healing power of massage. Remember that lymphedema can be a challenging condition, but with a little bit of self-compassion and kindness, your ..read more

Stress can be debilitating, and it's essential to find ways to manage it effectively. In this bonus episode, Kathleen Lisson, walks us through a breathing technique known as "five, five breathing." This technique will involve inhaling for five seconds and then exhaling for five seconds, repeated for a total of five breaths. Practicing breathing techniques like the "five, five breathing" technique can help you reduce stress quickly. It's simple, easy, and requires no expensive equipment. You can practice this exercise anywhere and share it with your clients to foster a collective sense of relax ..read more

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton is joined by guest Kathleen Lisson, a board-certified massage therapist, lymphedema therapist, health coach, and yoga instructor. Kathleen shares her insightful expertise on the impact of stress on chronic illness, focusing on guided meditation and stress reduction techniques for clients with lymphedema and cancer history. Together, they delve into the importance of treating the whole person, integrating massage therapy, and stress reduction practices for optimal care. Their conversation also touches on the distinctions between ..read more

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, we dive into the world of CBD and its potential health benefits. Our guest, Brock Freisen, Carpe Diem Rep, shares his journey of bringing high-quality CBD products to the market and collaborating with health professionals to spread awareness about the endocannabinoid system. We explore the personal experiences that led to the creation of Carpe Diem and the impact of CBD on chronic illness, physical discomfort, and joint pain. Join us as we discuss the therapeutic benefits of CBD, including its role in massage therapy and its potential to complement ..read more

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Carolyn Tague, a certified massage therapist in California. Carolyn joins us to share her experiences working in infusion centers within a hospital setting. We delve into how she got the opportunity to work in infusion centers, the focus of her work, and the benefits it brings to patients. Carolyn also touches on the importance of connection and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through oncology massage therapy. Topics discussed: How Carolyn got the opportunity to work in infusion centers The focus of the work in infusion centers Interacti ..read more

In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Julie Olson, who will be sharing her experience and insights from the prestigious Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) Collaborative Connections event. Julie takes us on her journey, starting from her early days as a massage therapist in the integrative medicine department at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. She shares how her path led her to discover the Society for Oncology Massage and the transformative impact it had on her profession. As we dive into the episode, Julie recounts attending her first in-person conference in 2018 ..read more

In this episode of the Collaborative Connections podcast, host Ericka Clinton interviews Mary Aguilera-Titus, a licensed massage therapist and instructor who teaches oncology massage therapy to other therapists. Mary is also a charter member of the Society for Oncology Massage and currently serves as the head of the Education Committee. In this captivating conversation, Mary and Ericka discuss the foundational courses of S4OM.They also delve into the various opportunities students have after completing these courses, emphasizing the significance of continuing education. Mary shares her experie ..read more

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, S4OM’s President Ericka Clinton sits down with the founder of Healwell, Cal Cates, to unravel the fascinating origins of this groundbreaking organization. Cal shares thier journey on how they stumbled upon the world of massage therapy and found their true calling in working with people living with serious illnesses. Tune in to discover the inspiring story behind Healwell and how it has made a profound impact on the lives of patients and caregivers alike. Cal is the founder and Executive Director of Healwell. Healwell's mission is to teach, touch ..read more