Therapy Works Lottie Clark on the Difficult Decision of Assisted Dying
In this deeply moving episode of Therapy Works, Lottie Clark shares the story of her husband James’s battle with motor neurone disease. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of his diagnosis, the challenges of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, and the difficult decisions their family faced—including James’s choice to pursue assisted dying at Dignitas. Lottie speaks candidly about the impact on their children, the process of saying goodbye, and the long road of grief that follows loss.
This conversation offers an intimate look at navigating life when faced with unimaginable circumstances. Lottie’s story is one of heartbreak but also of deep strength and unwavering love. She reflects on the power of open conversations, the importance of honouring personal choices in end-of-life care, and her ongoing campaign for assisted dying legislation. This is an episode about grief, but also about the extraordinary courage it takes to walk alongside someone through their final chapter.
00:55 Facing a Terminal Diagnosis
04:41 The Emotional Impact and Initial Reactions
06:36 Planning for the Future
13:01 Communicating with the Children
15:11 The Decision for Assisted Dying
26:55 Reflecting on the Impact of Loss
27:26 Honest Conversations with Children
29:32 A Final Family Trip
31:44 Saying Goodbye
33:12 Campaigning for Assisted Dying
36:29 The Journey of Repatriation
39:20 Finding Strength in Love
50:22 The Complexity of Assisted Dying
57:34 The Long Road of Grief
If you are looking to campaign, please find out more here: https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self.
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