I have known and collaborated with Kelly Inselmann for over 8 years through Yoga and Talk, Team Survivor, JoyBoots, Austin Cancer Support Coalition and Cancer Rehab, and Integrative Medicine. In this time I have experienced first-hand and seen through my clients’ recovery Kelly’s skills in addressing the challenges of emotional recovery after cancer treatment. I highly endorse the course Healing Well: Reconnect With Your Life After Cancer, as it has been an integral part of several of my patients’ journey and recovery.
Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine
Why do you need this program? Because the cancer experience changes us. Sometimes people suggest you can just “sail right through it,” but the reality is often much more difficult.
As they wheeled me in for the first MRI at MD Anderson Cancer Center, I remember feeling hysterical, like I might laugh or cry or scream. I wanted to shout: “You don’t understand! I’m really healthy!” Instead, I was a good patient. Quiet, compliant and immobile.
But there were other feelings underneath: anger, despair, fear, shame and self-blame, a desire to give up.
What happens to feelings when they are set aside for the sake of survival?
Sometimes they fragment, landing in parts of the body or in the back of the mind, waiting to be remembered.
About 6 months after the end of active treatment, I signed up for a free pilates class. I had never done pilates, but I had done lots of dance and yoga. I figured I could handle it.
Imagine the scene: I’m lying on the pilates table being hooked up to machinery, my body still weak and my mind still too fatigued to follow directions well. If you’ve been through cancer treatment, this might sound a little familiar. And it was familiar to my body – it brought back a flood of memories from chemotherapy treatment.
Frustrated and embarrassed at feeling unable to follow instructions, I started crying and couldn’t stop.
I left that day but returned later to take some private lessons. Eventually, I was able to tolerate the discomfort and begin to befriend my body in this new way.
Recent research in neurobiology finds that ignoring or repressing emotions or memories does not make them disappear. Instead, the limbic system, the emotional part of the brain, stays activated as though the initial experience is actually happening.
You might not be talking about it, but you are still feeling unexpressed emotions, in the mind or in the body.
Your Guide: Kelly Inselmann, founder of Joy Boots and the Yoga and Talk® Therapy model. She is a mother, wife, yoga teacher, psychotherapist and cancer survivor. Read more about Joy Boots and her journey here.
Many of my oncology clients participate in the JoyBoots for Cancer Survivors programs and tell me how each one benefits them in their journey of healing and emotional recovery after cancer treatment. I have also attended Kelly’s workshops and very much recommend them. I highly endorse Kelly’s six-week online course Healing Well: Reconnect With Your Life After Cancer. Put your joy boots on and join this amazing and beautiful community.
Geri Ruane, LMT, CLT, Oncology, Infusion, Lymphedema and Hospital Massage Therapist, Co-Founder, Director of Operations, Oncology Massage Alliance
I am a licensed professional counselor and 10-year myeloma survivor, and grateful to have Kelly as a unique resource in Austin and beyond. Kelly truly walks the walk, going beyond talk, of a seasoned professional who knows from the inside-out how to live well with and following cancer diagnosis.
Emily Schottman, LPC
The next six-week online program starts August 2020. Sign up to be informed of ENROLLMENT DATES and BEST PRICES.
Sign up to be notified when enrollment opens up and to be reminded about early bird pricing.
You should feel open to deepening your understanding of yourself and able to take 10-20 minutes per day to bring the experience into your home. You do not have to feel great to show up. You can come as you are–that’s what this is about. You may choose to rest during parts of the yoga–that’s OK. Like in all my classes and groups, you will be encouraged to listen deeply to what you need.
In my weekly classes, I have experienced yogis and people who have never done yoga and are sitting in a chair. The practices are taught to include everyone with modifications and encouragement for resting and observing the breath as an important part of practice. I encourage everyone (over and over) to go at their own pace and practice listening to their bodies cues and the sound of their own breath. That being said, I’m happy to discuss any specific conditions you may have and for yo But the short answer is yes.You are encouraged to discuss with your doctor any concerns about yoga.
Most of the interaction with other group members will be through the private chat forum. There will be specific discussion questions based on the 6 Principles and other discussion questions Kelly posts based on what comes up. There will also be a live weekly meditation. The group will practice together in real time the week’s meditation and then have a check in about how you are doing with the meditation, what has come up for you during the week, and any questions. Kelly will send you a link to join the live group each week.
This online program requires an up-to-date computer and access to the Internet.
Having an uncluttered space (free of “to-do” lists) helps you relax and be present. You will benefit by giving yourself time to mentally disengage from daily life, your phone, children and pets, and regular responsibilities.
All members are expected to maintain strict confidentiality about the identity and experiences of other members and to avoid the accidental eavesdropping by others present in the house.
No internet connected system can be completely secure.
Kelly has a legal obligation to break confidentiality and seek assistance if you state that you are actively suicidal or homicidal or if a child is being injured.
If you are in a state of acute emotional distress and need more active intervention from mental health professionals, I recommend that you seek assistance in your area.
The groups are not meant to be a substitute for ongoing in person individual psychotherapy, face to face social support, or advice from medical providers.
If you are feeling suicidal, I want you to have the attentive support you need from practitioners in your community. Please contact the National Suicide Hotline for referrals online or at 800-273-8255 or call 911.
Yes! Subscribe to my mailing list for a free weekly video or blog especially for cancer survivors. You may also want to participate in the Webinars or in my weekly Yoga Warriors Wednesday Class in Austin, Texas.
For other resources, check out the American Cancer Society, Cancer Survivors’ Network, and CancerCare.
