Gift of Life Institute Blog


Maintaining Professional Boundaries

By Cherry Wise, PhD | October 6, 2021

Professional boundaries are vital in OPO work because we are working on a deep level with vulnerable people. We have a responsibility to them to do things to the best of our ability and to ensure that our help and support does not damage or disenfranchise them.


Helping Children Say Goodbye

By Cherry Wise, PhD | July 23, 2021

In almost every loss, there is an affected child—or children. When adults are in the midst of taking in the news and making the many decisions that arise, it may be hard for them to maintain awareness of the needs of the children in the family.



The Importance of Active Listening

By Patricia Mulvania, RN, BSN, CPTC | September 18, 2020

Active listening builds strong relationships and, while it may not come naturally to many of us, it’s an invaluable communication skill.


Concepts of Death & Responses to Grief in Children

By Cherry Wise, PhD | May 20, 2020

All children are unique in their understanding of death and in their response to grief. This understanding is influenced by their developmental level, cognitive skills, personality characteristics, religious and cultural beliefs, input from the media, and by what they are taught about death and grief from the adults in their lives.


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