C. Elizabeth Dougherty

The diagnosis of a complex illness impacts individuals and families of all ages, often resulting in feelings of uncertainty, isolation and grief. Taking a strengths-based approach, Elizabeth facilitates communication and fosters coping strategies supporting children, youth and adults facing complex health experiences. Providing individual, family and group counselling, Elizabeth offers support navigating the health care system following diagnosis of a serious illness, into remission, at end of life and into bereavement. As professional caregivers are impacted by loss, Elizabeth also provides support to those caring for others.

Elizabeth highlights the value of compassion and communication in the context of illness, uncertainty and loss. She teaches courses and workshops to undergraduate and graduate learners and professionals across settings and sectors. She collaborates on regional, provincial and national initiatives advocating for high quality Palliative and end-of-life care, and is published in peer-reviewed journals. Elizabeth is a partner with the Children and Youth Grief Network and an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) with the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University and Contract Academic Faculty, Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.