Claire Moroney

REGISTERED NURSE, RN, MSN (RETIRED)

Dignity Therapist

Claire is a retired oncology nurse practitioner who has cared for patients with cancer for over 30 years. Her most recent practice was at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where she was a member of the team of clinicians that treated patients with primary brain tumours. Using a holistic approach to care, Claire identified a need for terminal cancer patients to have the opportunity to reflect on their lives through a process called Dignity Therapy.

Dignity Therapy is an activity designed to address the psychosocial and existential distress experienced by terminally ill patients. Research done by the creator, Dr. Harvey Chochinov showed that this intervention at the end of life can increase a person’s sense of dignity, meaning, and purpose as well as their will to live. It also can improve their suffering and symptoms of depression.

The process of Dignity Therapy requires two meetings with Claire, each lasting approximately 1 hour. The conversation is guided by a list of 8 questions that have been researched by Dr. Chochinov to aid someone to reflect on their lives and what brings them meaning and purpose. There is also an opportunity to speak to what values and important messages to leave to loved ones. From these conversations, a legacy document is created and edited by Claire. The whole process is typically completed in about one week.

Please click below to learn more about the process of Dignity Therapy through a video created while Claire was on staff at Sunnybrook:

Dignity Therapy Video

Fees:

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