bio

 

I am a cancer guide and psychotherapist. I work with clients via telephone and at Center of the Four Winds Studio in Frederick, Maryland. My mission is to serve as a compassionate presence and a companion for people who are experiencing the specific stress of cancer. I also work with individuals who are struggling with other chronic or life limiting medical conditions. Their stresses may include grief, depression, anxiety, fear, infertility, or aging.

 

In the past several years, I have experienced some of the most profound initiations of my life. In 2000, my mother died following a heart breaking and lengthy decline. In 2001, six months later, my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had an opportunity to gain experience and wisdom in the journey I went on with him through his illness and his death. The knowledge, the grieving, the strategies for survival, the wisdom of not just what it means to live but to thrive, I can share these with others who are suffering in similar ways. These experiences with my mother and my husband are illuminating my connections with people.

 

As a cancer guide, I support people by helping them to discover what elements of mind, body and spirit they wish to draw more fully into their lives. Different approaches work for different individuals at different times. For instance, you may make a certain nutritional choice during your cancer treatment and make a different choice after that treatment is completed.


In addition to working with folks suffering from chronic medical conditions, I mentor those deeply committed to working on their own personal, spiritual, and/or professional enhancement. I specifically find great meaning working with women who explore their interior realms in the context of the divine feminine. My heart-centered service includes teaching Samyama practice,

a deep process form of mindfulness meditation. I also draw on the healing modalities of dance/movement therapy, life review, and inner child discovery. One of the key threads of my work is skillful bereavement facilitation.


In 1984, I received a Master of Arts degree in dance/movement therapy from
Goucher College in Maryland. Since 1988, I have had advanced registry with the American Dance Therapy Association. Since 1993, I have been a student of Sheila Foster’s in the Temple of the Sacred Feminine in Maryland. In March, 2005, I completed the CancerGuide Training Progam in Berkeley, California, with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.


I love art, writing, expressive movement, and nature walks - these are essential to my blossoming heart.

Sessions are by telephone or in person. (click here for fee information.)

 

 

 

 

 

dena@cancerguidejourney.com

dena ward clayton, m.a., adtr

301 663-0373 extension 8

center of the 4 winds studio
frederick, maryland, usa