Adult Counseling & Support Groups

Counseling services are offered at Wellness House to help cancer patients, families and caregivers navigate through the functional, emotional, and spiritual adjustment necessary to maintain their quality of life during their cancer journey.

adult Counseling & Support Groups

Mental Health Counseling Cohort

A cancer diagnosis can mean distress for both patients and their families. The goal of our counseling cohort is to provide professional guidance around the many challenges posed by a cancer diagnosis.  We provide assistance, information, and support to patients and families during all phases of the cancer continuum.  The services include adjustment to diagnosis and treatment, emotional support, coping techniques, crisis intervention and referral, and grief and loss.

 

How to register for Counseling Services

If you are interested in participating in our counseling services, please contact Wellness House of Annapolis at 410-990-0941 or email: admin@annapoliswellnesshouse.org 

To receive counseling services at Wellness House you must be a member.

Please click here for details on how to become a member.

Adult Support Groups

Click here to view the complete quarterly program guide for accurate dates and times!

Caregivers' Support Group

Facilitated by Sherry Cormier, PhD

Being a caregiver can be both an honor and a challenge. This monthly support group provides caregivers the opportunity to share their journey with other caregivers.

Cancer Loss Bereavement Support Group

Facilitated by Sally Sellman, NCC, LCPC, HTCP

This group is open to all members who have suffered the loss of a loved one to cancer. Individuals with a very recent loss may not be good fit for a support group but are encouraged to contact us at admin@annapoliswellnesshouse.org to request appropriate support resources. 

Couples Therapeutic Group

Facilitated by Sarah Weatherwax, LMSW

Explore the elements of navigating cancer as a couple in this 60-minute in-person support group. Licensed therapist Sarah Weatherwax joins participants to delve deeper into topics relevant for your relationship in the cancer journey, providing a safe place to connect your partnership. To participate in the group therapy session, both partners must be present. If either participant is unable to attend, we’ll look forward to seeing you at the next session. 

Death Cafe

Facilitated by Carey M. Palmquist, MSM & Advcanced Illness Doula

At a Death Cafe, we gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death. Our objective is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite), magnificent lives. A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. 

 

Grieving Support Group

Facilitated by Lisa Eschbach, LCSW-C, CSAT, Mother Hunger Facilitator

In this monthly group, we will spend 90 minutes exploring topics of grief and loss. We will cover a range of topics from felt emotions, the journey of grief, anxiety, mindfulness, etc. We will explore through story sharing, witnessing, prompts, and psycho-education. Please join us, in circle, to explore how can you live with grief. * This group is intended for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

 

Healing with Horses

Facilitated by Emma Rogers, LCSW-C, EGC, EOL Doula & Angie Burnett, Equine Specialist 

Come and experience the healing power of horses to transform, empower, and inspire. In this 90-minute group, participants will partner with Emma Rogers, Certified Equine Gestalt Coach, and Angie Burnett, Equine Specialist, to deepen their knowledge of all self and harness their innate resilience. 

Healing in Color

Facilitated by Leah Saliter

A support group for women of color who are impacted by cancer. This is for any stage of cancer-survivorship, metastatic, newly diagnosed, or active treatment. The goal is to empower, educate, and support one another through a safe space where women of color are able to process and express themselves. Please bring a journal and a pen. 

Horse Connections

Facilitated by Angie Burnett, Equine Specialist

For those members who can’t get enough of horses, join Angie Burnett Equine Specialist, and a fellow Wellness House member for a intimate and relaxing opportunity to spend time grooming and enjoying Chesapeake Dressage’s healing herd. Offered for two members at a time, this program allows for participants to experience the gift of connection while giving back loving affection to their equine partner. 

(Online) Living with Cancer Support Group

Facilitated by Virginia Barnes Ricketts, MS, LCPC 

This evening support group is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer at any point in their cancer experience. This group is designed for individuals with cancer to connect with one another by sharing information, challenges, celebrations, and feelings surrounding day-to-day life with cancer. 

(In-Person) Living with Cancer Support Group

Facilitated by Katie Jank, LMSW, & Megan Austin, Social Work Intern 

The Wellness House of Annapolis is excited to announce that in addition to our virtual Living with Cancer Support Group, we are now able to provide an in-person option of this offering. This group is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer looking to increase social support and connection as well as learn helpful tools to embrace life and decrease stress. 

Men with Cancer Support Group

Facilitated by Sally Sellman, NCC, LCPC, HTCP

This group offers men experiencing cancer an opportunity to connect with each other, normalize the challenges they face, and share strategies that work in meeting those challenges. 

Multiple Myeloma Support Group

Facilitated by Sally Sellman, NCC, LCPC, HTCP

The Multiple Myeloma support group provides an opportunity for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their caregivers to get together for mutual support, education, sharing and friendship. 

Musical Journeys for Healing

Facilitated by Terri Fevang, Program & Communications Director/Therapeutic Musician and Guests

Come to our monthly music gatherings and immerse yourself into the power and potential of sound to influence your healing journey. Local music therapists from Annapolis Music Therapy and live music experiences with professional musicians from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will also visit monthly to provide different ways to experience the healing power of music. 

Spiritual Survival in Difficult Times

Facilitated by Interfaith Intern Community Minister, SarahRuth or Wekoye Davis

Group is a time to share together deeply, weaving together lived experiences, spiritual understandings, and shared wisdom. During the time together we connect with one another while exploring a spiritual topic or theme. Discussion may include spiritual or uplifting readings, self-care topics, art activities, or other activites based on group preferences. The group focus is on deepening interconnection, growing as spiritual beings, and providing a place to be heard in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment that exemplifies shared values. 

Your Next Move: Coaching for Men Touched by Cancer

Facilitated by Dr. John Wojcik, DBA, JD

Through coaching, this group empowers men to navigate life’s most challenging transitions with confidence and resilience. Coach John’s approach combines evidence-based techniques with empathetic listening-ensuring that you feel understood and valued in our theme-based sessions. Together, we’ll explore your strengths, set actionable goals, and create accountability to help you embrace new beginnings. Whether you’re seeking clarity in uncertainty or striving for personal growth, coaching can help you make your next move.