We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Talaya Dendy, BCPA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Talaya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

Maintaining client confidentiality is of greatest importance in my line of work, so I cannot delve into specific details. However, I can share an instance where a client’s daughter sought my services after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. The client was grappling with her diagnosis and the lack of support and information provided by her healthcare team. The aggressive treatment, chronic pain, and uncertainty about the future further compounded her distress. The family’s primary goal was for their loved one to establish a connection with a trusted confidante who could guide her through this challenging period, ensuring successful treatment completion and an improved quality of life.

The entire family was struggling to navigate the complexities of the situation, unsure of how to provide adequate support for their loved one while managing the dynamics of role reversals. My initial approach involved bringing everyone together to gain a comprehensive understanding of their challenges and needs. We then delved into strategies for enhancing communication within the family and collaboratively developed an actionable plan tailored to my client and her family’s specific circumstances.

With my personal understanding of cancer’s impact, I provided guidance to my client and her family throughout their journey. I helped my client gain a deeper comprehension of her body’s changes and the various treatment options available. I explained the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, outlining potential side effects and setting realistic expectations. Recognizing the need for a fresh perspective, I guided the family in obtaining a second opinion and ultimately finding a new healthcare team that better aligned with their needs. I provided practical strategies for navigating her fears, emotions, and the constant physical, personal, and healthcare team-related changes. Together, we explored beliefs and behaviors that might be hindering her progress, particularly during moments of frustration. Reframing her perspective and cultivating patience, grace, and self-compassion were crucial elements of our work together.

Equipped with knowledge and a renewed sense of control, my client could make informed decisions regarding her care, approaching each step with greater confidence. Despite the challenges and fears she faced, she successfully completed chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. She is now on the road to recovery and is optimistic about gaining back her strength, and energy and experiencing better days in the future.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

People often tell me that I have a calming personality, which is very helpful in the work that I do. I enjoy traveling, reading, and basketball.
My cancer diagnosis marked a turning point in my life, leading me to pursue a career in the cancer/healthcare sector. During this challenging time, I reflected on the gaps in support I experienced and envisioned ways to improve the journey for others facing similar circumstances. Seeking guidance from my oncologist, I gained insights into the common needs of cancer patients and their families. Additionally, I conducted interviews with fellow cancer patients and their loved ones to gather firsthand accounts of their experiences. While still employed in Corporate America, I obtained my coaching certification, laying the foundation for my future endeavors. Over the past few years, I have furthered my commitment to patient advocacy by becoming a board-certified patient advocate and a certified youth and adult mental health first aider. I am a life-long learner and that is a must in my line of work.

I offer a variety of services that help individuals and families navigate cancer and the healthcare system, including one-on-one support sessions, personal support via email, specialized services and support for caregivers, family support sessions, if needed, advocacy and resource linkage, affirmation cards for cancer patients and caregivers, and my podcast called Navigating Cancer TOGETHER. I am also working on some new offerings that I am very excited about!

While my services come at a cost, those who have the financial means will find that investing in my support and services is well worth it. It is much better than trying to navigate everything on your own. As your cancer doula, some of the benefits you’ll get include access to personalized resources, the ability to make well-informed decisions about your care, reduced stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, and an overall improved quality of life.

My unique perspective as a cancer patient turned thriver sets me apart, as I have transformed my life after facing this challenge head-on, which enables me to offer a comprehensive and transformative approach to cancer support. I embrace a holistic approach to cancer support, prioritizing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of my clients, fostering a balance of empathy and accountability ensuring my clients take the necessary steps, however challenging, to overcome cancer and become proactive guardians of their health and quality of life. I take immense pride in transforming a deeply personal and challenging experience into a driving force for helping others navigate their cancer journey with resilience and renewed hope.

As a potential client, it’s important to understand that my work is heart-centered. When you partner with me, it’s essential to approach the process with an open mind and an open heart. My role is to guide and support you, but ultimately, it’s up to you to put in the effort and do the work required. By working together, I can help you anticipate and navigate the challenges of cancer, and ultimately, emerge on the other side with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Remember, life after a cancer diagnosis is possible! You deserve the life you want!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Before I left my job in Corporate America, I created a financial plan to ensure that I could pay my bills and fund my new business venture. I used my own savings to start the business, and I also acquired a business credit card to help with expenses. Fortunately, my business is completely virtual, which significantly reduces my costs.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As my business relies heavily on trust and comfort, word of mouth, referrals, reviews, and testimonials are the most effective ways to acquire new clients. Additionally, sharing my story and experience with cancer through speaking engagements and my podcast has proven to be beneficial.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ontheotherside.life/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontheotherside17/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-the-other-side/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCTpodcastfan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ontheothersidecancerdoula
• Other: Sparkle Link: https://sprkl.es/ontheotherside/ Podcast: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether?s=1 Love Letters to Our Bodies: https://www.moyoinstitute.org/love-letters-to-our-bodies

Image Credits
Jeannine Marie Photography, Bettina Reiser, Moyo Institute, and Talaya Dendy