Tom Grothe

Tom is a Nurse Practitioner and psychotherapist who has provided primary, palliative and hospice care for over 40 years. He is a Marriage Family Therapist (inactive) and had a psychotherapy practice focusing on multiple losses and quality of life. Tom worked as a hospice nurse early in the movement and was the Charge Nurse of the world’s first AIDS and cancer in-patient hospice. His symptom-management approach to disease progression empowers patients and families to promote and maximize quality of life in accordance with their values and wishes and make a plan of care that honors those wishes. Tom is the author of “Fallen Sparrows” and lives in San Francisco with his husband and their two rescue cats. He practices yoga daily and sings in a semiprofessional choir.

Topics, Expertise and Experience

  • Individuals living with Progressive Disease

  • Individuals living with Serious and/or Terminal Illness

  • Late Stage Illness, All Types

  • Dementias

  • Neurological Disorders

  • Cancers, All Types

  • Heart Disease

  • AIDS and HIV

  • Working with Pain

  • Symptom Discussion

Types of Support

  • Concrete Education Regarding Disease Progression

  • Understanding Illness, I.E. What To Expect

  • Insights into Disease Specifics

  • Additional Education to Reduce Struggle

  • Support for Difficult Emotions and Situations

  • Witnessing and Honoring Suffering

  • Next Steps In Care Planning

  • Developing Plans of Care

  • Prioritizing Needs

  • Navigating Moments of Crisis

  • Exploring Ways to Heal During Struggle

  • Depression and Anxiety Due to Illness

  • Coping and Navigating Life after a Death

  • Bereavement Support

  • Navigating Ongoing Changes in Health

Who should work with Tom?

  • Individuals living with illness

  • Families caring for someone with illness

  • Individuals caring for another person

  • Chosen Family Care Circles