Michelle Massey, MSW, LICSW

Hope and Healing with the live your life program

The Live Your Life Program:

What Is the Live Your Life Program?

The Live Your Life program, offered by Massey Counseling and Wellness, LLC, is a community-based wellness program designed for children ages 5 and up who are affected by cancer or chronic medical illness. Children are affected by having a parent, family member or friend with cancer or a chronic medical illness. Our mission is to help children and families learn, connect with others and grow their community in ways that lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression caused by chronic medical conditions. We encourage participants to not only live with cancer and chronic illness but to truly live their lives to the fullest.

Program Goals

· Provide educational opportunities about cancer and chronic illness from reputable sources.

· Offer supportive community activities to grow connections and friendships.

· Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms related to the impact of illness.

· Promote living a full and joyful life despite the challenges of chronic medical conditions.

Education Component

Children participating in the Live Your Life program will have access to educational sessions led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers/Licensed Mental Health Counselors whose research is from reputable sources. Peer Counselors are welcome and invited to participate.

Peer Counselors: teens who have personal experience with cancer or chronic illness in their families. These Peer Counselors share their stories and facilitate meaningful discussions, helping younger children grow, connect, and learn practical ways to enjoy life. All activities are supervised by Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers and/or Licensed Mental Health Counselors, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth. Peer Counselors volunteer their time and can receive class credit.

Community Activities

The program emphasizes community inclusion, offering a variety of fun and engaging events. Children affected by cancer and chronic illness can participate in activities such as roller skating, ice skating, visits to the zoo, pet therapy play, playground outings, rock climbing, pinball, trampoline parks, cooking classes, and many more adventures designed to showcase how to live life with joy and connection. These activities help build social skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Therapeutic Support

While the Live Your Life program is therapeutic in nature, focusing on group activities and community building, it does not replace individual mental health services. For those interested, confidential individual psychotherapy and mental health services are also available through Massey Counseling and Wellness.

Program Schedule:

January. 31st: Renton Ice Skating

Who Can Participate?

The Live Your Life program is open to children ages 5 and up and teens whose family is affected by cancer or chronic medical illness. These children are invited to join the program and benefit from its supportive, educational, and fun activities. Teens…you are invited to become a Peer Counselor and participate as much as you would like.

Peer Counselor Volunteer Opportunity

Teens interested in leadership, service, and making a difference can apply for the Peer Counselor volunteer position with the Live Your Life program. Peer Counselors play a vital role in supporting younger children and helping them navigate their experiences.

· Minimum age requirement: 14 years old

· Must attend all community activities, including quarterly meetups and events.

· Participation in virtual volunteer training is required

· Leading and planning art activities or games

· Answering children’s questions respectfully and accurately, sharing personal experiences

· Explaining when an answer is unknown and speaking from lived experience

· Assisting with setup and cleanup at activities and events

· Researching possible locations for future activities

How to Get Involved

If you are a child or teen who meets the criteria and would like to participate or volunteer, reach out to Massey Counseling and Wellness, LLC for more information about the Live Your Life program, upcoming events, and application details. michelle@masseycounseling.com or 206-245-7754

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