Meet Paige Soleimani by Bold Journey
Paige Soleimani, LCSW
“I’m here to help my clients navigate the emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of their cancer journey, empowering them to find meaning and purpose even amidst adversity.”
Full article can also be found on Bold Journey.
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paige Soleimani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paige below.
Hi Paige, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My dream of becoming a teacher shattered in a classroom of 20 first-graders. I’d always envisioned myself inspiring young minds, but the reality was far different. I attended Syracuse University and immediately started student teaching. I quickly learned that the constant demands of classroom management drained my energy, leaving little room for the creative, inspiring lessons I’d envisioned. Something felt off.
After my sophomore year, I took a leap of faith and transferred to NYU. It was there, amidst the bustling energy of New York City, that I discovered a new passion: mental health. Learning about the complexities of the human mind fascinated me, and I felt a deep desire to help others navigate their challenges.
I dove headfirst into this new field. I observed a psychiatric assessment for a young child, absorbed every word of my positive psychology classes, and volunteered as a helpline specialist for the National Eating Disorder Association. Each experience solidified my conviction that I was on the right path.
Volunteering at a major NYC hospital within the social work department was the final piece of the puzzle. I knew I’d found my calling. My journey taught me that it’s okay to change course, even if it means deviating from a long-held dream. Sometimes, finding your purpose means embracing the unexpected. I decided to make my new dream a reality and completed my masters in social work (MSW) from NYU in 2018.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Facing a cancer diagnosis can be one of life’s most daunting challenges. As a medical social worker specializing in oncology, I’ve dedicated my career to providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating this difficult journey.
I’ll never forget the moment a patient, after weeks of grueling treatment, shared with me a renewed sense of hope. These are the moments that fuel my passion for this work.
My journey began during my master’s program, where I interned with a bone marrow transplant team. I felt deeply honored to support people through what is known as one of the most difficult treatments available. I also worked alongside colleagues to support those impacted by brain and gynecological cancers.
My first job after graduation was at CancerCare, a leading national organization providing free support services to people affected by cancer. This experience deepened my understanding of the diverse challenges faced by cancer patients and their families – emotional, practical, and financial.
In my current private practice, I continue to have the honor of walking alongside my clients as they navigate a serious illness like cancer. I help them overcome difficulties, find strength in the face of adversity, and maintain a sense of hope while they are physically fighting for their lives. I also help those navigating the untimely loss of a loved one.
Even in the face of immense challenges, I believe there is always hope. I’m here to help my clients navigate the emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of their cancer journey, empowering them to find meaning and purpose even amidst adversity.
If you or someone you love is impacted by a cancer journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
While my academic training provided a foundation, it was the direct experience of sitting with clients in their pain, witnessing their vulnerability, and navigating complex situations alongside them that truly honed my most valuable skills.
Creating a safe space is especially crucial for those facing a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones. As they often feel overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, and a loss of control. In my sessions, I prioritize creating a sanctuary where clients can pause, breathe, and simply be present with their emotions without judgment.
Rather than offering direct advice, I guide clients through a process of self-discovery, helping them identify their own strengths and resources to navigate challenges. This often involves asking insightful questions, exploring different perspectives, and facilitating a deeper understanding of their own needs and values.
Many of my clients express feeling unheard and unseen amidst the chaos of their diagnosis and treatment. I believe that true healing begins with being deeply heard and understood. Through active listening, I create a space where clients feel validated, respected, and empowered to share their authentic selves.
To develop these skills, I encourage you to:
Practice reflective listening: Summarize and paraphrase what you hear. Ask clarifying questions. Resist the urge to interrupt or offer immediate solutions.
Embrace silence: Allow for pauses and create space for the speaker to fully express themselves.
Cultivate presence: Slow down, be fully present in your interactions, and truly focus on what the other person is saying.
Cultivating these skills can transform your relationships, both personally and professionally. By truly listening to others, you create deeper connections, foster trust, and build more meaningful bonds.”
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth this past year has been stepping into the role of entrepreneur and business owner. Launching my own therapy practice was a significant leap, requiring me to develop a whole new set of skills beyond my clinical expertise.
To navigate this new terrain, I:
Enrolled in a business course for therapists: This provided a solid foundation in essential business principles like marketing, finance, and legal compliance.
Sought mentorship from established practice owners: Their guidance and support were invaluable in helping me avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.
Embraced technology: I implemented practice management software to streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency.
This journey has not only enhanced my business acumen but also fostered greater self-reliance and confidence in my abilities. By becoming more proficient in managing the business aspects of my practice, I can dedicate more time and energy to what matters most: providing compassionate and effective therapy to my clients.
I’m incredibly proud of the practice I’ve built and excited to continue growing and serving my community.
