Therapy for cancer, chronic illness, and life after treatment—focused on helping your body feel safe again.
➤ You’ve tried coping strategies and talking it through, but living in a body that doesn’t feel predictable makes it hard to stay calm for long.
➤ That’s because cancer and chronic illness don’t just affect your thoughts; they fire up your nervous system.
➤ Tailored therapy + EMDR help you relax into your present moments.
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Trusted by adults navigating cancer, chronic illness, grief, and life after treatment. Virtual care across Ontario, Canada.
EMDR therapy that’s impactful, grounded, and centered on your safety and comfort, no pressure to relive everything.
➤ Feel steadier in your body and more present in your life, without forcing calm or acceptance.
➤ Rooted in science-backed EMDR, DBT, grief therapy, and somatic approaches.
➤ Things shift when you stop pushing through and take time for you.
➤ We move at your pace. No forcing, no overwhelm. Just practical tools that work for your life.
Living with cancer or chronic illness has changed how you feel in your body, and you’re tired of faking fine.
➤ Your anxiety spikes even when things are “supposed” to be okay.
➤ You feel stuck in survival mode, long after appointments or treatment.
➤ You’re burnt out from the constant management, research, and body checking.
➤ Others minimize your experience, or expect you to move on or be grateful 24/7.
➤Your body doesn’t feel safe or predictable anymore.
➤ You feel disconnected from the people and activities that used to make you feel like you.
Your body learned to stay on high alert. EMDR helps it stand down.
Talk therapy helps you understand what’s happening. EMDR helps your nervous system process what it’s been carrying since diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing care.
This means fewer alarms in your body, more space to breathe, and a sense of steadiness that doesn’t require constant effort.
Support that meets you where you are, and moves with you.
Free 20-Minute Call
A calm, no-pressure 20-minute chat to see if this approach is right for you.
The Tools
Learn grounding and regulation tools that help you feel more settled, no matter what life throws at you.
The Breakthrough Framework
EMDR combined with somatic and DBT approaches to gently expand your window of tolerance.
A Path Forward
If we’re not the right fit, I’ll help you find a path forward that is.
Hey, I’m Margaret so nice to meet you!
Hey, I’m Margaret so nice to meet you!
Experienced, grounded support for complex health experiences.
➤ 7+ years of experience in healthcare settings, including kidney care (hemodialysis), emergency department, internal medicine, brain injury, mental health outpatient, and cancer care.
➤ Specialized training in EMDR, DBT, grief, and somatic approaches.
➤ Extensive experience supporting individuals in treatment, post-treatment, and living with chronic illness.
Margaret Zjadewicz, BSW, MSW, RSW
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Founder, Emerald Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)Education
➤ Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Forensic Psychology, First Class Honours
➤ Bachelor of Social Work, With Distinction
➤ Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specialized Training
➤ EMDR Therapy Trained
➤ Somatic EMDR
➤ Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
➤ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
➤ Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
➤ Walking with Grief: Helping Others Navigate Loss
FAQ
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This work focuses on your nervous system, not just insight.
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No. EMDR can be effective without detailed retelling.
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We move at your pace, with your comfort and safety as the priority.