Bridget Sumser

Bridget became a social worker to help people living with serious illness. Over the course of the last 10 years, she has worked across settings, providing support and companionship to patients, families, community members, and providers. In addition to her clinical work, she is a writer and educator and edited Palliative Care: A Guide for Health Social Workers (Oxford University Press, 2019). Her practice is rooted in a commitment to social justice and understanding illness and caregiving within the context of a unique life. Above all, she looks to promote connection and well-being.

Topics, Expertise and Experience

  • Dementia

  • Neurodegenerative Illnesses

  • Multiple Serious-Illnesses

  • Cancers, All Types

  • Long COVID

  • Death and Dying

  • Grief and Loss, All Types

  • Medical Aid in Dying

Types of Support

  • Care Planning and Transitions

  • Caregiving Sustainability and Support

  • Relationship Changes between Patient and Caregiver

  • Changes in identity due to changes in health

  • Navigating the healthcare system

  • Processing medical trauma

  • Advance care planning documents

Who should work with Bridget?

  • Couples/Partners navigating illness

  • Individuals living with illness

  • Healthcare workers in need support

  • Mental health providers in need of training