Healing the Healers with Compassion – Exclusive Interview with Courtney Lozano

Courtney Lozano, LCSW, owner of Mosaic Wellness Consulting, provides counseling to cancer patients and their families while supporting healthcare professionals navigating burnout.

Courtney earned an MSW from Fordham University and worked in healthcare for more than 15 years, with most of her career dedicated to Oncology. She has provided emotional support to cancer patients while helping families cope with the complexities of caregiving. She developed a wellness program for cancer survivors, which was featured on The Steve Adubato Show, and was grateful to be nominated for the NJBIZ 40 Under 40 award.

Courtney Lozano, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

What inspired you to specialize in supporting mental-health and healthcare professionals through emotional wellness?

After many years in oncology, I saw firsthand the compassionate care healthcare professionals provide to their patients every day. Patients are assigned a dedicated healthcare team to support them through their journey. Each patient is supported by a nurse navigator who guides them every step of the way, alongside their oncologist, social worker, and dietitian. The healthcare team supports patients through their toughest battles and darkest moments. Every day, healthcare professionals absorb intense emotional experiences,often without a moment to process them. The emotional toll of patient care is heavy, and healthcare teams rarely get time to unpack it. Witnessing that imbalance is what inspired me to focus on supporting healthcare professionals by “caring for the caregiver”. 

During my time in the cancer center, I created a workplace wellness initiative focused on employee well-being, and it quickly attracted staff from both clinical and non-clinical departments. A nurse navigator, a dietitian, a billing specialist, a surgical oncologist, a social worker, a physician's assistant, a marketing manager, and more! I was so surprised at the variety of professionals who attended weekly. The response revealed a critical gap in support for staff and highlighted the silent struggle of those who care for others daily. That moment ignited my dedication to supporting and uplifting those in my field.

How would you describe the unique “Mosaic” philosophy that guides your work?

Mosaic Wellness focuses on supporting those who support others through our “Healing the Healers” approach. Those who dedicate their lives to caring for others deserve the same compassionate care in return. Mosaic Wellness nurtures the well-being of professionals by empowering them to sustainably continue their compassionate work. For more information, view services here.

How we help:

• Staff appreciation events that foster a culture of value and appreciation

• Workplace wellness workshops designed for professional development and emotional health

• Engaging in networking events that foster collaboration and meaningful connections

• 1-on-1 emotional support 

What are the most common burnout or compassion-fatigue issues you see in your clients?

A lot of what I hear comes back to the overall demands of our healthcare system in general. Many professionals feel overworked and understaffed with heavy caseloads, and the expectation to “push through” no matter how depleted they feel. For instance, I’ve had many clients share with me that they are constantly having to pick up extra shifts or are scheduled to be on call more than ever before. The constant pressure can significantly impact personal and family time, leading to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, and difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries between work and home life.

Can you walk us through how your one-on-one support differs from your workplace wellness packages?

Yes Mosaic Wellness empowers both individuals and organizations to achieve emotional wellness and professional success through workplace wellness workshops and 1:1 support.

Workplace wellness workshops provide engaging, hands-on sessions that equip staff with practical tools and actionable strategies for stress management, self-care, and spotting early signs of burnout. Workshops can be offered virtually or on-site! More information on workshops can be found here.

1:1 counseling provides a safe space to process difficult cases and release emotional strain. Together, we develop a customized support plan to facilitate personal growth and overall wellness. We focus on fostering a mindset shift, recognizing that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. More information on 1:1 support can be found here.

What measurable benefits do clients and organizations typically experience from your interventions?

Work-related stress in healthcare extends well beyond employee burnout. It influences decision-making, mood, and ultimately patient care. Research shows that employers who prioritize staff wellness practices improve job satisfaction, support work–life balance, and promote professional longevity.

Both the American Nurses Association and the National Association of Social Workers emphasize self-care as an ethical responsibility in their Code of Ethics. This means there is a professional responsibility not only to care for the patients we serve, but also to care for ourselves. Protecting our own wellbeing isn’t optional, it’s part of practicing ethically, sustainably, and safely.

When leadership prioritizes wellness, it boosts morale and creates a more positive workplace culture. Organizations that invest in employee wellbeing see stronger resilience across their teams. Programs like Code Lavender and Schwartz Rounds demonstrate how structured emotional support can reduce stress, foster connection, and enhance compassionate care. Most importantly, when employees are supported, patients benefit from better care.

How do you tailor your programs for individual practitioners versus larger organizational teams?

Mosaic Wellness provides workshops on key wellness topics, while also partnering with organizations to create tailored sessions that align with their team’s unique challenges. Presentations review key topics and offer concrete takeaways. Topics include stress management, self-care, finding fulfillment, boundary setting, and work-life balance. Check out workshop examples here.

If healthcare professionals are looking for more individualized support, I recommend 1:1 counseling. Together, we create a customized support plan tailored to their personal goals, while exploring their values and priorities to guide meaningful change.

What are the first signs someone should look out for that indicate they might need your services?

Early signs you may need support include dreading going to work, taking more sick days, and feeling emotionally numb or disconnected. You might catch yourself lying in bed in the morning, saying, “I don’t even care if I don't go to work today,” or noticing a decline in empathy. These are red flags for burnout and compassion fatigue.

Often the first step is communicating your needs to a supervisor. But if the environment is toxic or misaligned with your values, it may be a signal to reassess priorities and consider healthier opportunities elsewhere.

How do you help busy professionals embed self-care and stress-management tools into their daily routines?

There are a variety of practical ways to implement self-care into your daily routine. The first step is noticing your stress levels and committing to prioritize your well-being.

1. Build peer support through a trusted colleague, or mentor. Whether you need to vent or need a pep talk, it is a priority to maintain positive connections at work.

2. Establish clear boundaries and maintain balance such as checking emails only during designated work hours. Protecting your capacity is a key part of setting healthy boundaries. If your plate is already full, say no to additional responsibilities, such as joining a committee or leading a new project, when you don’t have the time.

3. Use tools like a worry jar to release anxious thoughts. Write each worry on a sticky note and place it in the jar. At the end of the month, when you read them, you’ll often find many of your worries were resolved on their own! This is helpful, concrete evidence to prove to your brain that thoughts are not facts, and just because you have a negative thought doesn't mean it will come true. Next time, consider the opposite positive thought as a potential possibility.

4. Keep thank-you notes from patients and families visible. This helps you come back to your “why” and reconnect with your purpose. On challenging days, it’s a helpful pick-me-up and an important reminder that you’re making a meaningful difference!

5. Plan things to look forward to so the week feels lighter. Anything from coffee with a friend, to a concert, or maybe a weekend getaway. 

6. Pay attention to your body’s physical stress signals. Notice somatic sensations such as tense shoulders, back pain, or grinding teeth. Address stress with movement or consider a good stretch. Try standing during calls, taking the stairs, parking far away, or pairing small exercises with daily tasks like squats each time you use the restroom!

7. Use deep breathing to calm your nervous system. Watching your heart rate decrease on a smartwatch reinforces how effective this practice can be!

8. Responding vs reacting. Reacting is immediate and emotion-driven. Responding is intentional, allowing yourself to pause, think, and choose your next step. If you wear jewelry, consider turning your ring or necklace 3 times around before you respond. This is a concrete reminder to think before you speak. 

What is the most powerful transformation you’ve witnessed in a client after working with you?

One of the most powerful transformations I’ve seen was a client who identified as a “people pleaser,” similar to many helping professionals. She often placed herself on the back burner to accommodate others.. Due to understaffing, she stayed at work late, was assigned to extra shifts, and often missed family gatherings and her son’s baseball games. She said “yes” to joining committees and helping with extra projects even when she felt emotionally depleted. Her people-pleasing mentality was so ingrained in her identity that she didn’t recognize how overextending herself was leading to frustration and resentment.

As we worked on assertive communication, boundaries, and self-worth, she began to recognize her value and use her voice.

When her concerns at work went unaddressed, despite her efforts, she took a bold step to seek a better fit elsewhere. She explored a new job opportunity where she felt valued and recognized. This transformation was powerful not only because she found a healthier workplace environment, but because she stepped out of her comfort zone, embraced her worth, and achieved true personal and professional growth. I am so proud of her!

For someone reading this who is feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, what is your invitation or first step to reach out?

As helping professionals, we often give so much of ourselves to those we serve, but never take the time to replenish our own energy. Pausing to connect, process, and decompress is essential.

A first step can be to find out about networking events in your area. Mosaic Wellness hosts networking events designed for mental health and healthcare professionals to meet. Talking to others in similar fields can be a “catalyst for connections.” We host unique experiences, like hikes, cooking classes, puppy yoga, and vision board workshops! These events create space for authentic connections that go beyond business cards or brochures and foster genuine relationships and unexpected friendships! See examples here.

For deeper emotional support, 1:1 counseling provides a safe space to release stress. We develop a customized support plan to manage emotional regulation, explore coping skills, set boundaries, and promote personal and professional fulfillment. Learn more here.

Why is it called Mosaic Wellness?

Life is made up of many small moments and experiences that come together to form a larger whole. Just as each piece of a mosaic is important in creating the final design, each moment and experience in life is important in shaping who we are and the overall story of our lives.

A mosaic takes something fragmented or broken and turns it into something beautiful. In life, we may experience challenges or hardships, but through our struggles, we can develop increased resilience and personal growth to create a positive outcome.

Overall, the focus of Mosaic Wellness is twofold: Providing support to cancer patients and their families while also helping healthcare professionals navigate burnout. Since opening my private practice in 2024, I’m grateful every day for the inspiring individuals I’ve met and the meaningful relationships I’ve built along the way!

Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Courtney Lozano