2023 welcomes a new blog series here at Casting for Recovery! Each month, CfR will highlight a health and wellness volunteer that serves one of our many programs including, psychosocial facilitators, medical facilitators, nutritionists and more. This month we feature Alex Huffman, a licensed clinical social worker, who serves several Casting for Recovery programs. Read more below about her role at a CfR retreat and how it provides “reel” healing for breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with Casting for Recovery.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker and have worked in a variety of settings, including crisis intervention, schools, nonprofits, and medical settings. I found a home in oncology social work about ten years ago, and I truly think it is an honor to work in this field. I have volunteered as a psychosocial facilitator with CfR for seven years and at retreats in two states. I grew up fishing Texas lakes and became obsessed with flyfishing shortly after joining the CfR team. Volunteering allows me to combine my personal and professional passions, and for that, I’m extremely grateful!
As a psychosocial professional who volunteers at CfR retreats, why do you believe the psychsocial component to the retreat is so beneficial and/or necessary?
One of CfR’s principles is “Braving it Together”, and I integrate that into the psychosocial components of the retreats I facilitate. Throughout the weekend, participants experience how healing happens in community. Our supportive conversations and activities create connection by ensuring participants feel seen, heard, and validated.
What sort of questions & topics do you find participants ask most often during Evening Circle?
In Evening Circle, I view my role as holding safe space for questions, topics, and especially possibilities. In this protected time, participants genuinely and vulnerably share and connect with one another. They ask questions about diagnosis, treatments and physical and psychological side effects, express fears of recurrence or next steps, explore helpful resources, and just listen to and learn from each other.
Continue reading, “Reel Healing – Alex Huffman” from our friends at Casting for Recovery here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
