Programs

Social

The Celebration Singers

Are you a cancer survivor or caregiver who enjoys singing? If you are, this special choir is for you! The group's purpose is to make beautiful music, have fun and provide inspiration to the newly diagnosed and the long-term survivor. Please contact the choir's director, Michael Richardson, M.T.-B.C. (music therapist at MD Anderson) at 713-563-0858 for rehearsal information or to join!

Expressive Arts 

These fun classes help you explore issues in a creative way and make it easier to convey feelings or experiences that may be difficult to express in words.  Classes include:  Paint Your Own Pottery, Beading, Mosaic Mania, Chinese Ink Art, Digital Photography, Watercolor Transfer and more!

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga is a blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching, simulated laughter exercises and cultivated child-like playfulness.  Participants report reduction in stress, blood pressure, depression and more. Join Chaplain Stephen Findley  for this uplifting class.

Look Good, Feel Better 

This program is presented by trained, licensed cosmetologists that help patients adjust to temporary or permanent changes in their appearance. If it is your first time attending the class, you will receive a complementary makeup kit, head cover and wig! You must pre-register for this program by calling 713-792-6039.

Support Groups

Professionally-led support groups meet at Place ... of wellness to provide education, group discussion, guest speaker presentations, and supportive sharing for patients, family and friends.

• Breast Cancer Support Group
• Caregivers:  "I've Got Feelings Too!"
• CLIMB Support Group
• Education and Support for Depression and Anxiety
• Endometrial Cancer Support Group
• Ovarian Cancer Support Group
• Prostate Support Group
• Spine Tumor Support Group

For a complete list of support groups that meet in other locations around the institution, please call the Social Work department at (713) 792-6195

Mind-Spirit

Finding Reliable Health Information

Our Health Education Specialist, Jerah Thomas, shares resources to help you research supplements or therapies that may help manage your side effects. Learn how to navigate websites, evaluate natural products for quality and safety, and most importantly how to discuss Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) with your doctor.

P.I.K.N.I.C.

A weekly educational forum for patients, caregivers, faculty and staff who want to learn more about issues relevant to cancer. Sessions are led by experts from MD Anderson or the Houston community on a variety of topics.

Conversations About Integrative Medicine with Dr. Lee 

Physical healing is only part of the cancer journey. This informative presentation will introduce the benefits of Complementary and Integrative (CIM) therapies we offer.
1st Thursday, 10 AM - 12:30 PM at Mays with Richard Lee, M.D.

Intro to Centering Prayer 

Come share the origins and historical background of this ancient prayer practice. Open to people of all faiths, beliefs, or denomination.
Facilitators: Maria Kennedy & Kim Kehoe

The Road Less Traveled 

Cancer Path and Spiritual Journey – Come join other fellow travelers on the path in an open-ended discussion and exploration of cancer as spiritual crossroads.
Facilitator:  Maria Kennedy

Aromatherapy & Self-Massage 

Learn about essential oils and their therapeutic uses. Take home a comprehensive guide to creating your own aroma blend at home. Samples available during class. Individual consults, (in person, by phone, or via email) are available after 5pm. Please call 713-794-4700 for more information.
Facilitator: Cherie Perez, B.S., R.N., C.C.R.A., R.M.T.,

Exploring Music for Relaxation 

In a workshop-like atmosphere, learn relaxation techniques using live and recorded music.
Facilitator: Michael Richardson, M.T.-B.C.

Kundalini Yoga Meditations for Symptom Management

Learn to use various combinations of breath work, sound, and meditative focus to alleviate specific symptoms.
Facilitator: Sat Siri Sumler, R.M.T.

Meditation for Stress Reduction 

Bringing kind, gentle attention to our present moment experiences is the essence of mindfulness. Learn stress relieving techniques to help you live life more fully and peacefully and handle its challenges with effectiveness and compassion.
Facilitator: Micki Fine

Qigong 

Experience this ancient Chinese system of self care using meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to promote deep relaxation, and energy balance.
Facilitator: Mike Powers

Relaxation & Self-Hypnosis Techniques for Stress Management 

Learn how self-hypnosis and progressive relaxation can help alleviate anxiety, sleep disturbances, fear, stress, pain and tension.
Facilitator: Aida Molano

Relaxation Techniques 

Experience an exercise in guided imagery, the art of creating mental images of reality or fantasy by using your imagination and all five senses. This practice is widely used for relaxation, stress management, and reduction of pain and side effects from cancer and treatment.
Facilitator: Debra Sivesind, C.N.S.,

Tibetan Bon Meditation 

Access a deeper awareness through connecting the mind, body, and heart, and find your “home.” Learn to connect the mind and the breath in a good balance of relaxation, to bring you peace and a release of tension.
Facilitator: Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D.

Physical

Brief Relaxation Massages 

Take some time for yourself to experience a brief upper body massage for relaxation. Limited appointments available. *Appointments are only scheduled on the day of the offering. Call 713-794-4700 for additional details.

Safe Massage Techniques for the Cancer Patient 

Join Sat Siri Sumler, R.M.T. as she teaches participants the hands-on practice of gentle touch massage techniques. Learn how and when to use massage and the benefits of massage for patients with cancer.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Tea 

Tea is a contemplative beverage that lends itself to reflection and relaxation. Join one of four Certified Tea Masters in the nation to sample and learn about tea including where it comes from, how it is processed, and the benefits of each type.
Facilitator: Thia McKann

Guest Chef 

Local chefs demonstrate their cooking skills and provide tasty samples for the audience. The focus is on nutritional foods that cancer patients may prepare and eat. Clinical Dieticians also discuss the nutritional component of the recipe.

Nutrition Lectures 

Whether you need help dealing with side effects or simply want to maintain your health, we’ll talk about cancer, its treatments and optimal eating during this very important time. Learn about the special nutritional needs for cancer patients, information on organic foods, and more.

Awareness Through Movement (Feldenkrais)

Through movement, learn how you can improve your capacity to function in your daily life. This program is generously underwritten by Houston Endowment Foundation through the C. G. Jung Education Center.
Facilitator: Mary Beth Smith

Nia: Body Energizer 

Explore this gentle, yet lively, restorative movement class. The class incorporates techniques from yoga, tai chi, and Nia dance (play). The movements are easy to follow and inspired by a relaxing musical beat .
Facilitator: Carla Warneke

Pilates 

Come learn and practice a series of exercises in deep muscle strengthening that improve skeletal alignment and overall flexibility. Comfortable, flexible clothing is required. This class is mat based (floor activity is involved.)
Facilitator: Sarah Mifsud

Tai Chi 

Enter a soft and gentle exercise of the mind and body through mindful awareness and continuous fluid movement.
Facilitator: Mike Powers

Yoga (Hatha) 

Stretch your mind as well as your body by learning the postures, breathing exercises, and meditation which comprise yoga. Classes can be done on a mat or chair.

Yoga (Kundalini) 

Explore this spiritual and meditative practice that strengthens the well-being of the physical body. Kundalini yoga increases flexibility, brings emotional balance, mental clarity, stress relief and personal transformation.
Facilitator: Sat Siri Sumler, R.M.T.

Yoga/Nia: Body Energizer 

Warm up with a playful musical beat in this gentle, yet lively, half hour of guided movement that is adaptable and safe for any fitness level. Then stretch out, focus and become centered using yoga postures and breathing techniques. You should leave this class feeling energized and relaxed.
Facilitator: Carla Warneke

Additional Opportunities

Individual consults are available by appointment for services listed below (some services for inpatients as well):

• Guided imagery/self-hypnosis/stress management
• Nutrition (including nutrition support during treatment, herb and/or vitamin supplement use)
• Relaxation touch therapy
• Acupuncture Services
• Massage Therapy
• Practice reducing stress with personalized biofeedback