So what is Dignity Therapy?

Dignity Therapy, developed by Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, is a special form of conversation designed to help people facing the end of their lives. It has been reported to be a comforting and life-affirming process.

The final outcome is a written record of the most important memories and experiences of your life. This can be an important legacy project for both the person dying and also their loved ones.

What is Dignity Therapy?

Dignity Therapy involves a series of conversations that we have together. I will ask open-ended questions about your life, your experiences, and what matters most to you. The goal is to create a meaningful document that captures your thoughts, memories, and messages for your loved ones. Note that you will be provided the questions in advance.

How Does It Work?

1. Initial Session: It’s best to plan for at least a 60-minute session to go through the questions about your life history, important roles you’ve played, and any messages you want to leave for your family. Many people prefer to have two sessions to allow you to reflect on and add to your answers.

2. Recording and Transcription: The conversation is recorded and then transcribed into a document.

3. Review and Edit: You’ll have the opportunity to review the transcript, make any changes, and ensure it accurately reflects your thoughts and feelings.

4. Final Document: The final version of the document is given to you, and you can choose to share it with your loved ones. You may also keep the recordings, if you wish.

Benefits of Dignity Therapy

• Sense of Purpose: Many participants find that it helps them feel a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

• Emotional Relief: It can provide emotional relief by allowing you to express important thoughts and feelings.

• Legacy: It creates a lasting legacy for your family and friends, something they can cherish and remember you by.

What to Expect

• Empathy and Support: I listen with empathy and support, ensuring you feel heard and valued.

• Personal Reflection: You’ll have the chance to reflect on your life and share what has been most meaningful to you.

• Positive Impact: Many participants report feeling more at peace and satisfied after completing Dignity Therapy.

Dignity Therapy, it can be a powerful way to affirm your life’s value and leave a meaningful legacy for those you care about.

For more information see: 1: Dignity Therapy at End-of-Life - Dignity in Care 2: Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days - amazon.com 3: Care of the human spirit and the role of dignity therapy: a systematic review