Approaching the end of life can be a very difficult and emotional time. Regardless of age, culture or medical issues, it can bring up emotions that may feel overwhelming, including fear/anxiety, sadness, grief, confusion and even anger. People in this stage may feel alone or struggle to relate to and receive help from family members or friends who are having their own feelings. Family members may need help in sorting and managing their feelings while at the same time navigating communication with and care of the person who is declining. Overall it is a time when having the right support can make all the difference.
Whether you are someone who has just been informed of a terminal diagnosis or are in your final months or even weeks, I offer my support in helping you to come to greater peace. I specialize in work with anxiety, grief, and values-based life review to assist you in processing and handling your emotions so that you can make your best choices in this time. I can help you to identify what you want in relation to friends and family members and whether you need more from them or for them to back up and allow space for you to go through this in greater connection to yourself. This can be a powerful time in life where you get to prioritize what’s most important to you, let go of things that no longer serve you. You are still here and this can be a fascinating time of growth. It is even possible to experience this transition as an entry into a new chapter of your being.
It can be taboo or feel too painful to talk about the dying process or feelings related to it. In my work with clients and in my own life I have found that talking about our authentic experience can make things much better. Being brave and verbalizing or showing emotions with a caring support person can in the long run bring more ease than avoiding or running from the discomfort.
I offer a warm, listening presence to assist you in being with whatever you are experiencing. I can also be directive in guiding you to find your strength or clarity when that’s what is needed. I would be honored to sit with you and create space for you to have exactly what you need in this important time. Your life is precious at every stage including now.
Ketamine-assisted Therapy
There have been some exciting developments in mental health support for people who are facing death as well as for the ones who love them. Ketamine (and other psychedelic medicines that will be medically approved soon) has proven to be transformative and supportive for people, facilitating greater levels of peace than might have been thought possible. In collaboration with a medical provider, I offer a legal, off-label use of Ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can help to gain some distance from the intensity of emotions and mental images so that a person can find more ease in what they are going through. It can also bring deep insights and can aid in loosening what can often be a vigilant, unhealthy and stress-producing grip on self and identity. This can help people to reach deeper levels of understanding and perspective on their lives which can lead to more acceptance of its ending.
Ketamine can transform the dying process from a scary thing to a world of new possibilities. It can teach how to let go which can be very liberating. Many people are coming to greater peace with their lives, and some are even finding that their last stretch is a time when they feel more able to connect with loved ones and life than ever before. I am here to support you in this profound journey.
Related training:
CIIS Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy program
Polaris insight Center training in Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Santa Cruz Hospice trainings while working there as a grief counselor