Five-Wishes

When I speak or counsel people about grief, I am often asked questions such as: How long do you think he will stay in the anger stage? When do you think I will finally accept my loss? Questions such as this are based on what is called a “stage model” of grief. Early on in…

After the death of a loved one, it is not unusual to dread approaching birthdays, anniversaries, or other major celebrations that will underline the fact that your loved one is absent. Important events can often trigger our grief.My client Jean, who lost her husband to cancer, taught me a lot about facing that dread. Jean…

Hospice provides something more for patients when a cure is not an option. It is a medical care model focused on comfort.  Hospice care aims to manage the patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life. It provides support for family caregivers, too.  Understanding what hospice is — and isn’t — can help patients and…