As a health psychologist, my goal has been to help patients reduce stress, adjust to illness, develop better coping methods, and implement lifestyle changes in order to achieve a greater sense of stability and peace in the face of cancer. While we often have limitations in our ability to change our illness course, we can work together to better understand and reduce the emotional impact of illness or injury. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, I have worked to help patients find new ways to achieve a greater sense of wellness as they find a "new normal". My focus is on helping patients improve and maintain the quality of their lives regardless of illness trajectory.
In addition to my work with patients, I also work with family members to support them as they work to help a loved one through difficult medical situations. I work with couples and families to improve communication, address loss, and handle conflict in the face of illness. I also focus on the importance of self-care and balance for the well family member(s).
While I treat patients with a range of health conditions, I have spent years assisting cancer patients and their families. I have worked with patients with a range of hematologic and oncologic diseases and have helped patients to adjust to their diagnosis, cope with treatment, and transition back to work and family responsibilities after treatment has finished. At each stage of the journey, patients face different types of challenges and often need outside support in order to cope more effectively.
Although many patients do very well and recover from their illness, there are some for whom treatments are not successful. I have helped many patients with end-of-life concerns including anticipatory grief, anxiety, guilt, and difficulties in communicating with loved ones.
Working with medically ill patients is my greatest passion and I am committed to helping each patient as they adjust to the challenges they face with compassion, support and guidance.
Education and Training
I earned my bachelor of arts from DePauw University. I went on to earn both my masters in psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. I completed my APA-accredited internship at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services before going on to complete my postdoctoral fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Licenses
I am currently licensed by the Board of Psychology in the state of California (License #PSY24540) and the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners ( License # 005506)
Clinical Experience
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center City of Hope National Medical Center Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services LAC + USC Medical Center Pepperdine Community Counseling Center, Encino Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine Union Rescue Mission, Pepperdine Counseling Center Veterans Administration Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center
Presentations and Publications
Emotional Challenges of Cancer Survivorship for AYA Patients
Davidson, S. L.
City of Hope Adolescent and Young Adult Survivorship Program
January 20, 2023
Life After Transplant: Cultivating Resilience and Growth Through Trauma
Davidson, S. L.
BMTinfonet.org
May 5, 2022
A Look at Sexuality, Intimacy and Relationships During and After Treatment
Davidson, S. L.
WeSpark Cancer Support Center
September 12, 2019
Post-traumatic Stress Versus Post-traumatic Growth
Davidson, S. L.
City of Hope Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Summit
February 9, 2019
Compassionate Cancer Care
Dr. G: Engaging Minds
KABC radio 790
August 5, 2018
Emotional Recovery Following Cancer Treatment
Davidson, S. L.
Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Young Adult Panel: Coping with Stress and Disease
Panelist
Stupid Cancer Summit, City of Hope Medical Center
August 5, 2017
Psychological Approach to Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors
Davidson, S. L.
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Communication in Clinical Psychology
Patel, S. K., Davidson, S., & Folbrecht, J. (2016)
In Wittenberg, E., Ferrell, B. R., Goldsmith, J., Smith, T., Ragan, S. L., Glajchen, M., & Handzo, G. (Eds.)
Textbook of Palliative Care Communciations (71-78). New York: Oxford University Press.
Palliative Psychology: A Developing Frontier in Healthcare
Davidson, S. L., Folbrecht, J. & Patel, S. K.
Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers National Conference
Academic Health Centers in the Era of Interprofessionalism:
Multifacated Contributions of Psychology, Poster Session
February 5, 2015
I'm done with treatment, now what? Best practices for education
Hammer, S. L., Mallory, L., Davidson, S. & Klein, L. A.
Cancer Patient Education Network, 23rd Annual Conference
September 19, 2013
Evidence Based Management of Insomnia
Zachariah, F., Davidson, S. L., & Van Zyl, C.
City of Hope National Medical Center
March 19, 2013
City of Hope’s Department of Supportive Care Medicine:
An Inter-Professional Practice in Cancer Care
Davidson, S. L.
American Psychological Association Annual Convention
Presidential Poster Session
August 4, 2012
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Division 38, Health Psychology
APA Division 12, Society of Clinical Psychology
American Psychosocial Oncology Society
California Psychological Association
Los Angeles Psychological Association
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science