Legacy Therapy

Legacy Therapy at the Center for Psycho-Oncology Care is a deeply intentional process designed to honor the unique story, voice, and values of each person facing serious illness or navigating the end of life.

Developed by Dr. Caroline Cárdenas and Dr. Veronica Cardenas through the Center for Psycho-Oncology Care, Legacy Therapy is derived from the pioneering work of Dr. Harvey Chochinov’s Dignity Therapy.

Building upon Dr. Chochinov’s evidence-based framework, Dr. Caroline Cárdenas received direct training from him and, in close collaboration with Dr. Veronica Cardenas, evolved the process into a signature Center for Psycho-Oncology Care offering—one that reflects our shared commitment to respect, cultural sensitivity, and the preservation of personhood.

Legacy Therapy invites clients to engage in guided conversations that elicit meaningful memories, life lessons, personal values, and heartfelt messages they wish to share with loved ones. These sessions are facilitated with compassion, deep listening, and respect for the client’s pace and readiness. Through structured yet flexible questions, we create a safe, supportive space for reflection—focusing not on illness, but on identity, connection, and the legacy of love and wisdom each person carries.

The process includes audio-recorded sessions, skillful transcription, and thoughtful editing, resulting in a personalized Legacy Document. This document—whether shared privately with loved ones, gifted on a meaningful date, or kept as a cherished keepsake—serves as a celebration of the client’s life, values, and enduring presence.

Legacy Therapy is not psychotherapy; it is a narrative process that affirms one’s worth, fosters meaning-making, and offers the opportunity to shape how one’s story will be shared and remembered. At the Center for Psycho-Oncology Care, we consider it a profound privilege to walk alongside our clients in creating these lasting gifts—expressions of love, identity, and meaning that can bring comfort, connection, and inspiration for generations to come.