Programs

Virtual Spiritual Counseling

In recovery it is important to tend to yourself and your well-being. You need time away to rest, to plan, to retreat. You may also need someone who can listen and help you tend to the needs of your soul. This year, Paraclete Place is partnering with Rolling Ridge to offer spiritual companioning to guests who may be interested in having a “Directed Retreat” while staying at Paraclete Place. This optional offering allows you to meet with a trained spiritual director who is a member of the Listening Collective at Rolling Ridge, someone who is skilled to companion you on the journey. Pending your intentions while at Paraclete Place, you can schedule just one session, sessions every other day, or daily sessions. Meetings will be virtual and will be geared to accompany you as you need. Thanks to a generous grant, the majority of costs for Spiritual Companioning are being. covered by Paraclete Place. Your only cost is a $50 deposit to be paid upon registration.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku , is a mindful practice of deeply immersing yourself in nature using all five senses, and it offers profound physiological benefits for cancer recovery. According to Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, taking in the serene forest atmosphere and inhaling the natural oils (phytoncides) released by trees not only lowers the stress hormone cortisol, but actively stimulates the immune system by increasing "natural killer" cells and anti-cancer proteins that help fight tumor cells. To help you harness these healing benefits, we offer guided forest bathing experiences at Medoc Mountain State Park (Hollister, NC). Just 20 minutes south of Lake Gaston, this park offers a profound sense of serenity. For guests with enough energy, the gentle Discovery Loop Trail offers a beautiful, shaded stroll along Fishing Creek, perfect for birdwatching or simply resting on a bench and enjoying the restorative sounds of the forest while your nervous system calms and heals.

Massage and Yoga

To support your physical and emotional recovery, we offer specialized, in-house therapies designed exclusively for the needs of cancer patients. According to the Mayo Clinic's Integrative Oncology guidelines, therapies such as oncology massage and yoga are powerful tools in cancer care. Clinical studies show they significantly improve quality of life by actively reducing fatigue, nausea, pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances caused by cancer treatments.

Meeting Space

The facility also provides a meeting space for regular meetings of healing arts professionals to offer training and services, as well as space for support groups.

Creative Reflection & Meaning-Making Sessions

A cancer diagnosis can change the story we carry about ourselves and our lives. These sessions offer a supportive space to pause, reflect, and explore the meaning of your cancer journey through therapeutic art and guided conversation. Facilitated by a licensed psychologist and cancer survivor, these sessions blend professional expertise with lived experience to help you explore your story, reconnect with your strengths, and consider what comes next.

These sessions are not a substitute for therapy or mental health treatment; rather, they are an opportunity for personal reflection, creative expression, and meaning-making as you continue your journey beyond cancer.

Sessions may be offered virtually or in person when available.