When someone we love is nearing the end of life, time feels different. Days can be heavy with grief, but also filled with unexpected moments of connection and meaning. It’s a tender and often overwhelming journey—not just for the person who is ill, but for everyone who loves them.
This is where psychotherapy and social work step in. At their best, they offer more than just “therapy”—they offer companionship, understanding, and a safe place to rest when everything else feels uncertain.
Why Therapy Matters at the End of Life
For people facing a terminal illness, emotions run deep. There may be sadness, fear, or even anger. But there’s also reflection, reconciliation, and sometimes, surprising moments of peace. Psychotherapists and social workers can help people explore all of that—without judgment—so they feel truly heard and supported.
These professionals also walk alongside families. They help loved ones talk through difficult decisions, plan for the future, and navigate the ups and downs of anticipatory grief. At times, they become advocates—helping make sure patients’ wishes are honored and that families get the support they need.
It’s not about “fixing” what can’t be fixed. It’s about making sure no one feels alone.
Elizabeth Snelgrove Arauz, LCSW – A Heart for Hospice and Healing
At Triad Psych, we are grateful to have Elizabeth Snelgrove Arauz, LCSW, whose career has been shaped by some of life’s most tender spaces.
Elizabeth began her work in hospice care, where she sat with people in their final days—listening to their stories, sharing in their sorrows and joys, and holding space for families as they said goodbye. As she describes it, those days were often hard, but also profoundly beautiful because of the people she had the honor to serve.
Since then, she’s worked in a variety of settings—from supporting students at Kennesaw State University to working with vulnerable populations at Mercy Care. Now at Triad Psych, she helps children, teens, adults, and elders navigate everything from grief and depression to chronic illness and trauma.
What makes Elizabeth’s care especially unique is her training in somatic therapies. She understands that grief and stress aren’t just “in our heads”—they live in our bodies, too. Her work helps clients process pain not only through words, but also by gently reconnecting to the body’s natural ability to release and heal. This mind-body approach can be deeply grounding, especially in the face of illness and loss.
How Elizabeth’s Hospice Experience Shapes Her Work Today
Elizabeth’s years in hospice taught her lessons that textbooks can’t:
- That every story matters, even in the final chapter.
- That small moments—holding a hand, sharing a memory—can mean everything.
- That both tears and laughter belong in the room when life is nearing its end.
Today, she brings that wisdom into her therapy sessions. Whether she’s working with someone who is ill, or supporting the loved ones walking beside them, Elizabeth offers a kind of care that honors both the heart and the body.
For the Caregivers: You Matter Too
Caring for someone at the end of life is a gift, but it can also be exhausting. Many caregivers feel guilty taking time for themselves, but the truth is—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Here are a few gentle reminders if you’re in that role:
- Let yourself feel what you feel. Sadness, anger, even relief—it’s all valid.
- Ask for help. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
- Stay present. Sometimes the quietest moments—a shared smile, sitting side by side—become the most meaningful memories.
- Care for your body. Rest, nourishment, and movement aren’t luxuries—they’re survival tools.
- Talk about wishes early. Honest conversations can bring peace later when decisions need to be made.
A Simple Grounding Practice for Caregivers
When things feel too heavy, here’s a short somatic practice you can try:
- Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor.
- Place your hands on your lap and notice your breath. Don’t change it—just notice.
- Quietly name:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you feel (chair, floor, clothing)
- 3 things you hear
- 2 things you smell
- 1 thing you taste
- Take one slow, deep breath in through your nose, then exhale fully through your mouth.
This little exercise helps bring you back to the present moment and reminds your nervous system that it is safe to rest.
You’re Not Alone: Resources for Caregivers
If you are caring for someone at the end of life, please know that help is out there:
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): nhpco.org
- National Alliance for Caregiving: caregiving.org
- Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org
- Hospice Foundation of America: hospicefoundation.org
- GriefShare: griefshare.org
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for emotional crisis support.
Closing Thoughts
End-of-life care isn’t about giving up—it’s about making space for love, dignity, and meaning in the time that remains. Therapists and social workers like Elizabeth Snelgrove Arauz are here to help families walk that path with compassion, presence, and hope.
If you or someone you love is facing this journey, please remember: you don’t have to carry it all alone. Support is out there—for the person who is ill, and for you, too.