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Denise O’Doherty

Denise O’Doherty

Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Registered Nurse

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Home » Articles » Two Tips for Avoiding Needless Stress When Someone Dies

Two Tips for Avoiding Needless Stress When Someone Dies

December 2, 2014 by Denise O'Doherty

Frequently in individual, couples and family therapy I hear the hurt and anger client’s feel when someone dies and end-of-life issues were not handled the way my client’s felt they should be. Families can be torn apart trying to make decisions during the stress of dealing with the death of a parent, sibling or child. While profound grief is inevitable; confusion, anger and long-term resentment can easily be avoided by the following preparations.

First, Y Collaborative has a workbook “Put Life in Order, Put Worry Away” to enable you to make decisions about how you want to be treated if you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself and for families to use as a start to a conversation before they are in the position to where they have to decide. Having important conversations about care and treatment before it becomes necessary takes all the stress out of decision-making and ensures that your wishes are clear. Peace of mind is a wonderful gift to give your family and, once completed, you know your wishes are clear.

I completed a workbook to make things easier for my loved ones and wish all the people I love had one too, so I could ensure that their personal wishes will be respected at the end-of-life.

Second, Nancy Rust, co-founder of YCollaborative,  also will assist you and your family, if this topic is sensitive or difficult, on how you can handle these important issues ahead of time and how you can have the conversations you need to have. You can reach Nancy at info@YCollaborative.com or 713-521-7699.


Now it is Truly Easy to “Put Life in Order and Put Worry Away.”

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve truly made it easy for you to put life in order and put worry away with the publication of the Texas edition of our new workbook. The workbook is now available for sale on our website and will provide one easy location where you can write down all the information you want your family, friends or doctors to have should you be involved in an accident or unable to speak for yourself.

We’ve provided contact lists, a wallet card, advance directive questionnaires, valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Organ Donation forms as well as helpful lists that tell you what to do in the first 24 hours after someone dies.

While we don’t provide a form for a will (although filling this out will probably make getting one much easier) we have tried, however, to provide everything else you may need to help communicate your wishes and desires should you be hospitalized or unable to speak.

What People are Say about “Put Life in Order and Put Worry Away.”

It is superb. I can see the work that you put into this book. It is very helpful. I hope (and will try) to spread the word about how it can help people, almost change lives. Thank you so much for creating this book. ~Lynn B. Houston, Texas




Order today as this is one decision that we know will give you and your loved one’s peace of mind.

Category: couples counseling, Marriage Counseling, relationship counselingTag: end of life counseling, end of life planning, end of life stress

About Denise O’Doherty

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, MSN, LMFT, RN, a native New Yorker, is a psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist and Registered Nurse. In addition to her 25-year, full-time private practice in Houston, Texas, she is an educator, lecturer and author. Denise presents regularly to professional, corporate and civic organizations on personal development and transgender education. She has been a Clinical Instructor for the University of Texas at Houston School of Nursing. Her warm and engaging style provides enlightenment, clarity and insight. She inspires confidence while helping others seek positive change. Denise specializes in Gender Identity Issues, Marriage and Family Therapy, Relationship Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Addiction, Recovery and Codependency.

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