THE FOUNDATIONS BOARD

Care Support Coordinator

Jennifer Paul provides caregiver support and education to the family of cancer patients about mesothelioma treatment.
Dr. Jennifer M. Struck

As Care Support Coordinator of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, Dr. Jennifer Struck earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology, with a specialty focus in Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Trauma (through the lifespan). Dr. Struck completed an APA-accredited internship at The Guidance Center in Long Beach that included a year-long rotation at Memorial Care/Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital where she provided supportive therapy to families as well as neuropsychological testing as part of the hematology/oncology psychosocial team at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center. Additionally, she attained her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which aids her in helping couples and families to accept and understand each other’s experiences and communicate them more effectively. With an attitude of care, she offers genuine pursuit to know each person she encounters, aiming to instill resiliency and lead them to their greatest well-being.

Dr. Struck’s warm, participatory, and authentic relational style is at the core of the support she provides. She offers a highly integrative, dynamic, and contextual approach rooted in evidence-based research, relationship/attachment theory, systems theory, and developmental neuropsychology/medical science. Her experience spans a variety of therapeutic settings including: a variety of non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, a university clinic, homeless shelter, and residential treatment center. Clinical issues include a wide range of developmental and acquired diagnoses, including those with acute and chronic medical conditions, issues of life transitions, parenting, grief and loss, trauma and traumatic stress, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral/mood disorders, among other intra-psychic dilemmas and interpersonal relationship dynamics. Dr. Struck works collaboratively with individuals and families to provide support that is tailored to each unique set of circumstances. She recognized early on that people are embedded in their family and community contexts. As such, all of these influences must be taken into account. Invested in the process of meaning making, she employs attuned listening, reflection, validation, boundaries, and transparency to create a safe space for sharing without judgment. She encourages and guides patients to articulate their experience and make sense of it, as a means of understanding their frame of mind. She has been described by patients as “being like water” because of her calming demeanor she uses in an effort to create a soothing atmosphere of security. Dr. Struck aims to meet each of her patients where they are and works from a spirit of unending curiosity with the goal of adding value to her patients’ experiences.

Dr. Struck has both personal and professional experience understanding the toll that illness and/or chronic or fatal medical conditions can have on the affected individual as well as caretakers and loved ones. She came to the foundation having previously served as Special Projects Manager for the Law Offices of Jerry Neil Paul, and has had exposure to the many clients and families suffering from the consequences of Mesothelioma. Like a family, the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is composed of several pieces that make up the whole, and each piece and person is vital in the process. Aside from the medical and legal aspects, there is a great need for emotional validation and support. Dr. Struck's piece is to offer this support and care to individuals and families struggling with the emotional traumas of the disease by creating a place for community to connect and share stories, experiences, and messages of encouragement. It is well documented that cancer patients are at an increased risk for developing comorbid mental health issues, particularly depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Patients may experience difficulties in adjusting to the newfound devastating news or to the resulting lifestyle restrictions, the cognitive and/or personality changes stemming from the illness and/or from the resulting treatments can be upsetting and disturbing, and many suffer from social isolation and a loss of self. Fears can often be intense and/or pervasive –about treatment, about cancer coming back, about what will happen to loved ones, and of burdening others. Increasing awareness around the unique struggles this population faces and decreasing the stigma of reaching out for help to manage the emotional upheaval is necessary because earlier identification and treatment means better monitoring and prognosis. Whether it’s to learn coping tools or pain management techniques, facilitate acceptance, discuss end of life issues, or to live with grief and loss, it takes strength to communicate that you need support. We are all relational beings who need others to survive. You are not alone.

To inquire further about care support services, please contact Dr. Struck at 805-390-5366 or drjstruck@gmail.com.

Please note: Dr. Struck is currently a registered Psychological Assistant (PSB 94023680) under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists as she completes her postdoctoral requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist.

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