Adult Counseling Services - Dempsey Center

Provided by Master’s-prepared licensed psychotherapists (LCSWs) who specialize in oncology, grief + loss. Counseling can help with:

Cancer’s impact on body, mind, and spirit
Cancer’s impact on relationships
Cancer’s impact on care partners
Living with advanced cancer
Legacy & Life Reflections
Grief and Loss
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Cancer’s impact on youth

Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C
Oncology Counselor, Psychosocial Services Manager

Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C, has worked in oncology care settings since 2008, including Massachusetts General Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weil Cornell Medical Center. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and holds Board certification in Oncology Social Work. She has served as a state representative for the Association of Oncology Social Work since 2019.

Kailie utilizes a trauma informed and strengths-based approach, helping clients impacted by cancer to identify and build resiliency. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. She regularly incorporates mindfulness and expressive arts into her practice. Kailie is also trained in play-based therapeutic modalities for work with young clients as part of the Healing Tree program.

Sarah Walters, LCSW
Oncology Counselor, Youth and Family Services Manager

Sarah Walter has more than 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults and their family members through life transitions, trauma and loss using a clinical lens grounded in attachment theory. She earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees at the University of Utah’s Graduate school of Social Work in 2016. Prior to joining the Dempsey Center in 2020, Sarah worked as a clinician supporting children and their families at Sweetser’s Eslie J. Parquette school, community behavioral health clinics and as a Field Instructor at a wilderness therapy program in Utah.

Sarah was previously licensed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has experience treating adults and adolescents with Substance Use Disorders. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Attachment Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, and Structural Family therapy. Sarah has facilitated life skills and psychotherapy groups related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills, coping skills and mindfulness for children, teens, and adults. She has a passion for helping children and their parents build a stronger sense of connection and confidence in each other and their own resilience.

Christine Brome, LMSW-cc
Oncology Counselor

Christine Brome, LMSW-cc, earned her Master of Social Work degree at University of New England Graduate School of Social Work in 2019. Prior to coming to the Dempsey Center, Christine was a part of the Northern Light Mercy Cancer Care team, where she has spent the past few years having the opportunity to provide emotional, practical and financial support to patients and families impacted by cancer.

Christine has experience working with a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy and believes in using a strength’s based, trauma-informed approach when working with those impacted by cancer. She has a special interest in offering support during end-of-life care, legacy and life review, and transition to survivorship.

Michelle S. Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C
Oncology Counselor

A Board-certified Oncology Social Worker, Michelle earned her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in 2001. She brings experience from a variety of social work settings, including most recently the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network, serving Mid-coast Maine through Oncology Social Work Navigation.

Michelle draws on a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice with both individuals and groups, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She utilizes a person-centered approach highlighting the strengths each individual and family possess. Michelle joined the Dempsey Center in 2021.

Erin King, LMSW-cc, APHSW-C, CGS
Oncology Counselor

A social worker at heart and through education, Erin King, LMSW-cc, worked with Hospice of Southern Maine in the Bereavement Department prior to making her way to the Dempsey Center. As a grief counselor with HSM, Erin helped loved ones navigate life after the death of a central person in their world.

Erin recognizes the role loss plays in moving through a cancer-impacted world as well as the power humor can have throughout the healing process. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and a strengths-based approach, Erin strives to collaborate with those who have been affected by cancer. Recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique, Erin is committed to holding space for and walking alongside those she works with.

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Testimonials

When I first found out I had cancer I didn’t know who to turn to. My family is not the ‘norm’ where support is available emotionally or financially. I debated calling the Dempsey Center, but I’m not usually one to ask for help. That phone call was the most valuable I’ve ever made. I scheduled a counseling session and met Theresa, she invited me to participate in the From Cancer to Health™ support group. Through the group I’ve learned many valuable techniques like relaxation, assertive speaking, etc. I learned it’s okay to ask for help, which had been the toughest thing for me to do. I don’t know how I would’ve coped; this group became my family and my support. I’m very thankful for making that call.

- Debbie Gogan-Koris