Find End of Life Counseling

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

Facing the end of life — whether your own or a loved one’s — is one of the most emotionally complex experiences a person can endure. But no one has to go through it alone. End of life counseling offers emotional, psychological, and even spiritual support to help individuals and families navigate this deeply personal time with greater peace, clarity, and connection.

  • Sandra Tursini, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Sandra Tursini

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat End of Life, Conflict Resolution, Sex Addiction/Pornography Concerns.

    Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges

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  • Orvon White, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Orvon White

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Remote only

    Orvon White is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat End of Life, Self-Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family.

    My intention is to create a safe space where clients feel validated and affirmed in their lived experiences and that they feel lighter when they leave.

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  • Fabian Kuttner, Counselor

    Fabian Kuttner

    Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychotherapist

    812 East High Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902

    Fabian Kuttner is a Counselor in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat End of Life, Intimacy Concerns, Life Transitions.

    Healing, growth and nourishment are oh so very possible! Change is smooth when we can understand our deeper motivations and find more skillful strategies.

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  • Morgan Rudd, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Morgan Rudd

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Remote only

    Morgan Rudd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat End of Life, Anxiety, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    Morgan works from a strengths-based perspective and believes that when given the proper tools, everyone has the ability to grow, to change and to succeed.

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  • Margaret Bester, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Margaret Bester

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    7633 Ganser Way, Madison, Wisconsin 53719

    Margaret Bester is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 21 years. They treat End of Life, Dependent Personality, Grief and Loss.

    Current availability, all identities welcome, experienced and passionate professionals working with a variety of diagnosis' and symptoms.

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  • Talk. Heal. Thrive. Psychotherapy, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    Talk. Heal. Thrive. Psychotherapy

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    Talk. Heal. Thrive. Psychotherapy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in undefined, undefined. They treat End of Life, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Postpartum Depression.

    Talk. Heal. Thrive. Psychotherapy is a telehealth insurance-based therapy practice working with clients anywhere in Washington State.

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What is end-of-life counseling, and who is it for?

End-of-life counseling is a specialized form of emotional and psychological support offered to individuals who are facing their own mortality, as well as to the loved ones walking alongside them. It provides a safe and compassionate space to process thoughts and feelings around dying, loss, and the life that’s been lived — and the one that is coming to a close.

For the person who is terminally ill or nearing the end of life due to age or chronic illness, this type of therapy can help reduce fear, make peace with unresolved emotions, and affirm their sense of identity, value, and meaning. A skilled end of life therapist understands the emotional complexity of dying — the grief, fear, anger, regrets, and moments of clarity that often arise — and provides space for all of it to be seen and expressed.

But end of life counseling isn’t just for the person who is dying. It’s also for:

  • Family members trying to prepare emotionally for a loved one’s passing
  • Caregivers experiencing anticipatory grief, burnout, or helplessness
  • Children or teens who need support in understanding or coping with a loved one’s condition
  • Individuals facing complex decisions about medical care, legacy, or final wishes

Sessions may include discussions about fear of death, how to say goodbye, unresolved family dynamics, spiritual or existential concerns, or practical questions about dying and what comes after. Therapy might also support legacy projects like letter-writing, creating memory books, or simply reflecting on a life’s purpose and relationships.

Ultimately, the goal of end of life counseling is to bring comfort, clarity, and emotional resolution to an often painful and confusing chapter — while honoring each person’s unique experience and beliefs. Whether it’s about letting go, making peace, or finding a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation, this work can be transformative for everyone involved.


How is palliative care different from hospice care?

While often used interchangeably, palliative care and hospice care are distinct — though both focus on comfort and quality of life.

  • Palliative care is supportive care provided alongside curative treatments. It’s available at any stage of a serious illness and can be given while a patient is still pursuing recovery or life extension.
  • Hospice care is reserved for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less who are no longer receiving curative treatments. The focus shifts entirely to comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being.

In both contexts, a palliative care therapist or counselor plays a crucial role in helping patients and families cope emotionally. Preparing for end of life is as much about emotional readiness as it is about medical decisions.


Can therapy help someone who is terminally ill cope with fear, anger, or sadness?

Absolutely. Facing death often triggers a wide range of powerful emotions — from fear and denial to anger, guilt, regret, and deep sadness. These feelings are entirely normal, but they can be overwhelming if left unprocessed.

End of life counseling provides a compassionate space to:

  • Acknowledge and express difficult emotions
  • Explore unresolved relationships or past trauma
  • Make sense of spiritual or existential questions
  • Find meaning in one’s life and legacy
  • Say goodbye in a way that feels complete

A trained end of life therapist helps individuals work through these feelings at their own pace, supporting emotional healing even in the final stages of life.


What role do therapists or counselors play in palliative care teams?

Palliative care is a holistic model that addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs. Therapists and counselors are key members of this interdisciplinary team.

Their roles may include:

  • Supporting patients in making peace with their diagnosis and life story
  • Helping family members cope with anticipatory grief
  • Facilitating difficult conversations about treatment goals, final wishes, or spiritual beliefs
  • Offering crisis intervention or emotional de-escalation during times of distress

These professionals often work alongside doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and caregivers — making sure the patient is cared for as a whole person, not just a medical condition.

Find care for End of Life

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of End of Life and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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