In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Cindy Spence, a massage therapist specializing in oncology and hospice care. Cindy shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the incredible impact of massage therapy in end-of-life care. From discussing the differences between hospice and palliative care to the unique skills and emotional resilience required for this work, Cindy's wisdom and compassion shine through. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the profound importance of providing comfort and support during life's final moments. Tune in as these two remarkable individuals engage in a heartfelt and enlightening conversation.

Topics discussed:

• Importance of hospice care in providing support and community for those at the end of life
• The emotional and psychological aspects of caring for patients in hospice
• Adapting Massage for Hospice Patients
• Understanding the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
• Impact on the Massage Therapist and Self-Care

More About Cynthia Spence

Buy Palliative Touch: Massage For People at the End of Life

Visit Final Touch Trainings website to see upcoming classes

Follow Final Touch Training on Facebook

Learn more about where Cindy works T-Boone Pickens Center

Cindy Spence has been a massage therapist specializing in oncology and hospice care since 1999, after her father-in-law’s dying wish for gentle touch inspired her to attend massage school. In 2016, Cindy joined forces with her colleague and friend, Susan Gee, to create Final Touch Training, an endeavor devoted to top-notch education for professionals seeking to provide safe, supportive touch for people with advanced illness. “Susan and I are passionately devoted to this mission,” says Cindy, “because we have seen firsthand the extraordinary benefits of massage at the end of life.”

With more than 40 years of combined experience in hospice care, Cindy and Susan offer a 20-hour CE class each June at the world-class T. Boone Pickens Hospice Inpatient Center in Dallas, Texas. Participants are supported on a three-day journey like no other, with sequence and pacing mindfully designed to reflect our approach to this soul-stirring work. The textbook for class, Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life, is available through Handspring Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. If you have ever wanted to support a loved one or client with advanced illness, we invite you to visit our website or Facebook page to connect with our blog posts, articles, podcasts, and 3-hour online training for beginners. Our class will be offered next month at the 2024 AMTA Texas Convention. As of this moment, five vacant spots are available to any massage therapist in the U.S.

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

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Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)

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Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter

LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn