J. Kathryn de Planque, PhD
Clinical Consultant
Responsibilities
I have been facilitating groups for the Center since 1998. My meditation groups utilize guided imagery and other techniques to assist men and women with cancer to learn relaxation, enhancement of the immune system, and a sense of spiritual well-being. These groups have been well-received and are conducted in 6 to 8-week blocks throughout the year.
Professional Work
My youth was devoted to the performing arts. I have worked in the public and private realms, serving children and their families as a special education teacher and school psychologist. I was coordinator of Psychological Services, Special Education and Health Services for over twelve years in La Canada Unified School District. In the '80's I was a part of an assessment team at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA and Learning Disabilities Clinic at UCLA Hospital. In 1998, I received a Ph.D. in holistic health sciences from Clayton College of Natural Health. I have a private practice in which I provide guided imagery and stress reduction for men and women with cancer and serve as a clinician on the Pediatric Pain Team at UCLA for children and young adults experiencing chronic pain and disease.
Personal Interests and Perspectives
I lost both of my parents to cancer when I was a teenager. Since I was an only child, I was very involved with the illness and death of my parents. It is such a privilege to be able to serve other men and women with cancer with the knowledge and skills that I have today. I have a passion for travel, and I love meeting people from different cultures. I continue to sing and perform at celebrations for friends and family. I enjoy hiking, physical exercise, meditation in nature and spending time laughing with my husband. I have a married daughter and grandson, who bring me great joy.