In this session of APDA’s Unlocking Strength Within, special guest Dr. Nicole Reidy shared her expertise on what ambiguous loss means within the context of being diagnosed with PD and answered audience questions live.

Ambiguous Loss focuses on being resilient through finding meaning, discovering hope, and adjusting one’s flexibility in coping with loss and the unknown. Explore your own diagnosis and journey with increased empathy to support yourself and others. 

Watch the broadcast now on APDA’s YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe to the APDA YouTube channel for more informative and important resources for Parkinson’s disease.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: DR. NICOLE REIDY

Nicole Reidy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lewis University. Shortly after graduation, Nicole went to Aurora University to earn her Master’s of Social Work with a dual specialization in Gerontology, and Healthcare. She continued at Aurora University to receive her Doctorate of Social Work and graduated in May of 2021. Nicole’s social work career journey includes working with survivors of domestic violence, providing education and assistance to individuals with dementia along with their families, providing bereavement counseling, and supporting older adults and caregivers with mental health counseling. She is now at The University of Chicago Medicine working as a Social Worker with the Movement Related Disorders Clinic. Nicole’s passions include working with older adults and assisting patients through grief and ambiguous loss. Nicole completed her dissertation titled, “The Impact of Subjective Loneliness in Older Adults Through Ambiguous Loss: A Phenomenological and Exploratory Study.” She applies an Ambiguous Loss approach with patients dealing with mental health issues, loneliness, and those diagnosed with movement-related disorders including older adults. Nicole continues to expand and apply ambiguous loss approaches to a diverse array of clinical conditions.