KATIE DOBBIN BINDA, LICSW

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in practice for over 25 years.

I have spent most of my career working with people whose lives have been impacted by cancer and other health-related concerns. It is a great privilege to partner with individuals, families, teams and organizations as they face personal challenges and professional concerns. For 25 years, clients have sought my expertise and experience in counseling and coaching as well as my leadership in patient advocacy, program development and workshop facilitation. I am proud that people value my authenticity, warmth, kindness, humor, and integrity.

In my counseling practice, clients work to learn more about themselves, better understand their relationships and develop tools and strategies to help them navigate life’s challenges. In my consulting practice, I collaborate with healthcare and related organizations to develop and facilitate meetings and other initiatives to enhance relationships with patients and families as advisors and advocates. I also provide workshops to strengthen the coping skills of staff and offer guidance on programs centered on wellness and stress management.

My volunteer efforts include work with several cancer-related organizations. Currently, I volunteer as an MHP (Mental Health Professional) with Camp Kesem Boston University where I work to ensure the emotional well-being of campers and college student staff. I also serve as an Advisory Board Member with Camp Kesem at MIT and Boston University. Previously, I volunteered with Boston Cancer Support as a Board Member and facilitator for their Cancer Collaborative workshops supporting community-based cancer providers throughout Massachusetts.

Background and experience

Prior to opening my private practice, I spent my career at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. I had several roles at Mass General including:

• Founding Director of the HOPES Program – creating wellness programs and services for patients, families and staff – developed and oversaw the integrative therapies services as well as created a menu of education and support programs
• Co-founder of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)– patient advocacy initiative to enhance patient-Cancer Center relationships – facilitated opportunities to improve communication between oncology fellows, support staff and PFAC members
• Co-creator of the Support Staff Development Program – to address the learning and emotional needs of staff working with people living with cancer and their families
• Clinical Oncology Social Worker – provided counseling services to patients and families throughout their cancer experience

I have been on the faculty at Wheelock College in the graduate school of social work, served for a number of years as a guest lecturer at Suffolk University, and have been an invited speaker at numerous local, national and international conferences. I have also co-authored several publications, which include a focus on the emotional needs of support staff and coping with cancer in the workplace.

Education

• Master’s in Social Work (MSW) – Boston University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) – University of Western Ontario