Integrative Therapies Program

Overview

The services below are provided by trained professionals from the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrative Therapies Program.

• If you are in active treatment and are interested in any of these services (including drop-in classes), please talk to your care team first, as some services require a referral from your physician. After speaking with your care team, call 617-726-4178 or email gallagherprogram@partners.org to schedule an appointment.
• If you are a former patient no longer in active treatment and are interested in any of these services, email gallagherprogram@partners.org.

For the most up-to-date program listings and information, view our online calendar.

Services

Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles applied to specific areas of the body to stimulate energy flow. It can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment such as anxiety, nausea, dry mouth and fatigue. Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to these same points with the hands. The acupuncturist will work with you and your care team to decide if acupuncture or acupressure could be beneficial for you.
Provided by our Licensed Acupuncturists: Jessica Gerber, Regina Gibbons, M.Ac., Nathan Langford, Hugo Lopez, M.Ac., Irene Martyniuk, Mary Tricolli, RN

Available in many outpatient clinical areas, in a group setting, or as a fee-for-service outpatient service.

View our Radiation Oncology Group Acupuncture Information Sheet.

Art Therapy
Art therapy uses simple art activities to help people express themselves and develop a sense of well-being through the creative process. You do not have to be an artist to enjoy and take advantage of art’s powers to enhance wellness. Individual sessions take place in the clinic where you are receiving treatment.
Provided by Kelsey A. Skerpan, ATR-BC, LMHC

Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy can help to relieve stress, increase relaxation, and lead to a feeling of greater well-being. It can alleviate some of the physical symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, and often relieves pain resulting from excess muscle tension. Speak with your nurse about whether massage therapy might be helpful for you.
Provided by our Licensed Massage Therapists: Michael Keamy, Michelle Boutin, Jason Sargent and Karen Ingwersen, RN

Available in many outpatient clinical areas or as a fee-for-service outpatient service.

Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music-based activities to enhance wellness and help reduce stress, pain, and anxiety. Sessions can include active music making, gentle live music for relaxation, music-supported meditation, learning a new instrument, writing songs, or creating recordings to share with loved ones. No prior music experience is necessary – with the help of our board-certified music therapists, patients can explore how music therapy might best support them. Individual sessions take place in the clinic where you are receiving treatment.

Read about the benefits of music therapy in cancer care, published in the September/October 2018 Coping with Cancer magazine.

Learn about our Music Therapy Internship for Berklee College of Music students.

Drop-In Sessions

Caring for Yourself
Massage helps reduce muscle tension and improve mental energy. Learn how to use self-care techniques to manage stress, anxiety and decrease muscle tension.
Led by: Michelle Boutin, Licensed Massage Therapist

Gentle Yoga
Yoga can help lower tension and anxiety and enables patients to settle into a greater sense of ease and wellbeing. This easy form of exercise uses mild stretching and healthy breathing.
Led by: Luba Zagachin, Yoga Instructor

Learn About Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles applied to specific areas of the body to stimulate energy flow. Learn about acupuncture and how it can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms, and reduce side effects of cancer treatments.
Led by: Irene Martyniuk, Licensed Acupuncturist

Music Therapy: A Creative Path to Wellness
Join us as we explore how engaging in music can help reduce stress and anxiety, decrease feelings of isolation, and offer a creative outlet for self-expression. Group participants can try an instrument, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy the music. No prior music experience is necessary!
Led by: Hannah Shefsky, MA, MT-BC, Music Therapist

Qigong
Qigong is a practice of bringing together your body, breath, and mind. It is a way of meditating through slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm state of mind.
Led by Regina Gibbons, Licensed Acupuncturist/Tai Chi Instructor

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an exercise of slow intentional movements, coordinated with breathing and imagery, to help improve balance, strength, sleep and pain management. Current radiation therapy patients must obtain pre-approval.
Led by Regina Gibbons, Licensed Acupuncturist/Tai Chi Instructor