Mélina Ladouceur
Cancer Coach, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
What drew me to Cancer Coaching is that it’s all about improving your confidence and your sense of control, something so many people I work with feel they begin to lose when they face a new diagnosis. My own approach to coaching is collaborative and honest; I believe each person has unique strengths and inner wisdom based on their own life experiences. In our sessions, we don’t just talk about change; we ensure that you leave with a plan that feels right to you, and then we work together to help you in making the shift from where you are to where you want to be.
Every day I get to take part in meaningful conversations with people about what’s most important to them, including what types of changes they want to make in their lives to improve their health and well-being and how they can move forward when they or a loved one are facing cancer. We may not be able to control the things that happen in our lives, but we can take steps to help ourselves and to be our best selves no matter our situation.
My areas of particular interest and experience include working with individuals and families living with chronic and advanced cancers, people living with cancer who want to manage stress and emotions or cope with cancer-related fatigue, caregivers, parents supporting children impacted by cancer, people returning to life and work post-treatment, and individuals wanting to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Cancer Coaching draws upon my clinical background as a Registered Social Worker caring for adults and children facing difficult life challenges. I also have additional training in community and health system navigation, and I completed a one-year Nutrition certificate program with an in-depth look at cancer, heart disease, fatigue and weight management. In my spare time, I love spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, writing and cooking.
“The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust