At Breast Cancer Connections, we offer programs and workshops that can help in your healing process as an adjunct to your medical treatment. If you are interested in exploring other ways to reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit, see our calendar or call the BCC Helpline for exact dates and locations.

We also invite you to visit our Workshops page, which has information about upcoming workshops and presentations.

Ongoing programs

Guided healing imagery  

First and third (and fifth) Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

In these popular sessions, medical hypnotherapist Mary Horngren, CMHt, guides you through deep relaxation techniques for mind and body, helping you to tap into your own healing powers and lower your stress level. Mary’s calming voice leads you to a quiet place within, fostering meditation and facilitating healing. Audio recordings of each session are available for checkout in our library. For more information, visit Mary's website at www.maryhorngren.com.

Writing your way through cancer: a creative writing workshop

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Next series starts January 2011

Each of us has a story to tell, a voice to be heard. If you are coping with breast cancer, this 10-session writing workshop will help you find your own voice, feel your strength, express your creativity, and share your stories with others in a safe, supportive environment. Karen Jandorf leads the group also known as “The Scribbling Women of BCC” through an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing. No experience with writing is necessary. Class closes after first session for privacy of individuals' work.

Additional online writing resource available at www.writingthroughcancer.com

Individual life coaching

Second Saturday of the month, 2:00-4:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions)
Or by phone appointment

Breast cancer doesn’t just disrupt your physical health. Perhaps you’ve realized that you’re taking care of everyone but yourself, or pretending that nothing has changed, or even feeling as though you’ve lost your very identity. With the support of a life coach who understands the breast cancer experience, you can learn to make subtle shifts that empower you and help you reclaim your authentic self. Through BCC, you can receive free introductory life coaching sessions with Joanne Sperans, MBA, ACC, cancer survivor, and proprietor of Volo Coaching.

By appointment only. Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.

Group life coaching

Second Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

These workshops are ideal for those new to coaching as well as those who have completed Individual Life Coaching sessions but are open to everyone.  They will give you the opportunity to focus on a core issue or exercise each month, such as learning how you create ‘structures of knowing’ or self-limiting beliefs that stand in the way of your own success; how to make subtle shifts in your thoughts and behaviors to move forward; learning to identify your core intentions and live your life based on those intentions; and how to take control – if only briefly – over your thoughts and emotions to make changes in your lives.  Possible topics or exercises include, “Take It or Leave It:  Determining What to Keep and What to Release from your Life;” “Making Great Decisions Based on Your Intentions;” “Identifying Your Standards of Integrity;” or “Making Successful Transitions.”  Workshops are facilitated by breast cancer survivor and Certified Life Coach Joanne Sperans, MBA, ACC. Please see our calendar for class topics.

Mindfulness meditation - good medicine

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Mindfulness meditation teaches you how to take charge of your life by relating directly to life's current moments.  Focusing your attention on your immediate experience helps bring calmness and clarity to the challenges and demands of everyday life.  Mindfulness meditation helps you develop effective coping skills for dealing with stress, fear, and anxiety, and cultivate a greater capacity for joy, wonder, and peace. This workshop is facilitated by Health Educator and Stress Reduction Specialist Sharon Allen, and Stress Reduction Educator Cheryl Branco, R.N.

Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.

Reiki clinic

Friday, October 1, 2010, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions)

Reiki is a Japanese healing art form used to balance and harmonize the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When we are in a state of balance, we are physically and emotionally healthy.  Reiki is used to reduce stress, relieve pain, gain energy, grow spiritually, and naturally heal on all levels of being.  The Reiki clinic is facilitated by a group of experienced Reiki practitioners and teachers.  During a Reiki session, one lies fully clothed on a massage table. Reiki energy is transferred to one’s body as a Reiki practitioner lightly lays their hands on different parts of the body.  Common experiences are feelings of warmth, relaxation, deep peace, and a sense of inner renewal and recovery.

Enrollment is limited.
Please make an appointment with the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.

Annual Complementary Therapies Fair

Next event will take place June 25, 2011, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

One of our annual events held each year in June, the Complementary Therapies Fair is designed to inform, inspire and connect those touched by breast cancer to different therapies which can aid in their treatment or healing process. Previous topics include:  Breath Work, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Macrobiotic diet, Lymphatic Massage, Traditional Naturopath, Feldenkrais, and Qi Gong. 2009 topics were  Healing Rhythm, Massage, Ayurveda, Raw Vegetarian Diet, Nia Technique, and Naturopathy with lunch catered by Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco.

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