The Dempsey Center offers short-term therapeutic counseling services for individuals and families impacted by cancer. Counseling is provided by Master’s-prepared licensed psychotherapists (LCSWs and LCPCs) who specialize in oncology and bereavement.
Cancer’s impact on body, mind, and spirit
Cancer’s impact on relationships
Caregiving
Living with advanced cancer
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
207-774-2200, [email protected]
Patti Sands earned her Master of Social Work degree at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has a background in supporting children, adults and families with grief, bereavement, loss and trauma. She interned and later volunteered at the Center for Grieving Children, serving as a facilitator in the peer model to all age groups. Patti has facilitated psycho-educational groups related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and skill-based groups such as managing anxiety.
Patti uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy. She also incorporates mindfulness and meditation into her practice.
Patti is a nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinician and has presented extensively on subjects related to childhood exposure to violence and trauma, most specifically childhood traumatic grief. Patti is also trained Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention and Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct Problems.
(207) 795-7530, [email protected]
Theresa earned her Masters’ degree in Social Work at the University of New England. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Oncology Social Worker. Theresa provided end-of-life counseling to terminally ill patients and supportive counseling to their families as a hospice social worker for over 10 years before coming to the Dempsey Center in 2013. She has facilitated Grief Support Groups and Psycho-Educational Grief programs in the Lewiston/Auburn Community since 2002.
Theresa uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy and her approach to counseling is strength and solution based. She uses a skill-building approach to teach patients and caregivers ways to decrease stress and anxiety and how to improve their self-care and assertive communication skills. Theresa also provides grief and bereavement support and counseling services.
207-795-8172 (T, W, F), 207-774-2200 (M, Th), [email protected]
Tracey earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of New England. In her work with clients she draws on experience as a psychotherapist and grief counselor. As a psychotherapist Tracey focused her work and training on couples and adults, supporting them through adversities and times of change. Tracey provided grief and bereavement counseling to individuals and groups for hospice as an intern and after completing her degree. Prior to her social work career, Tracey worked for many years with emerging adults in a mentoring capacity and draws upon these experiences in her work with young adults.
Tracey brings a natural warmth and strong empathic presence to her work at the Dempsey Center. Her approach focuses on client strengths, insight, and developing coping skills. Tracey incorporates trauma informed, mindfulness, and attachment based approaches to her work with clients including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Poly-Vagal theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Tracey brings her own experiences with healing, personal growth, yoga and spirituality to her role as a counselor.
207-795-8256, [email protected]
Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C, has worked in oncology care settings since 2008, most recently at Central Maine Medical Center and previously Massachusetts General Hospital. Kailie has a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and holds advanced certification in Oncology Social Work. Prior to studying Social Work, Kailie spent several years working with children and families in the field of Early Childhood Education.
Kailie utilizes a strengths-based approach and resiliency theory model in her work supporting children, adolescents, young adults and families impacted by cancer. She also has expertise in counseling clients with concerns around managing complicated family dynamics and parenting through cancer. Kailie uses a variety of therapeutic modalities appropriate for youth and families including play, expressive arts, mindfulness and adventure-based therapies.
