'Dignity Therapy' Beneficial at End of Life
A novel psychotherapeutic approach, known as dignity therapy, might benefit patients living with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. Dignity therapy provides these patients "with an opportunity to reflect on things that matter most to them or that they would most want remembered." Dignity therapy was developed about 10 years ago by a team led by Harvey M. Chochinov, MD, PhD in Manitoba.
Dignity therapy is audio-recorded and transcribed, and an edited version of the transcript is given to patients to share or bequeath to individuals of their choice.
Sample Questions Used in Dignity Therapy
Full Medscape article…
- Tell me a little about your life history, particularly the parts that you either remember most or think are the most important? When did you feel most alive?
- What are your hopes and dreams for your loved ones?
- What have you learned about life that you would want to pass along to others? What advice or words of guidance would you wish to pass along to your son, daughter, husband, wife, parents, or others?
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