Connected Life Letters

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 Life review is a collaborative process that helps older individuals reflect on their lives at every stage through questions that promote thoughtful introspection. This process aims to enhance an individual's well-being by guiding them in contemplating the various chapters and significant moments of their lifetime.

Robert Butler (1927-2010) was a gerontologist and psychiatrist who pioneered life review as a therapeutic method. However, it was Erik Erikson (1902-1994), a developmental psychologist known for his theory of psychosocial development, whose concepts laid the groundwork for life review. Unlike many other developmental psychologists, Erikson believed that growth in this domain occurs throughout the lifespan, not just in its early stages. He proposed that each life stage, from infancy to old age, presents an inherent psychosocial struggle that should ideally be resolved before progressing to the next stage, as the quality of this resolution impacts successes in subsequent stages. Erikson's eighth and final stage is termed “integrity vs. despair" and occurs in our later years (65 and beyond). Erikson asserted that engaging in a life review during this final developmental stage is an important task and that by embracing one’s life narrative, a sense of well-being and wholeness can be achieved. 

Raynia has spent most of her career as a medical social worker in hospitals, where she observed how often her older patients reflected on their lives. Hearing parts of their life stories was an integral part of her work, as it helped people heal and provided context when facing illness or other health challenges.

Raynia also noted that when speaking with patients' family members, they often wished they had known their parents or grandparents and their stories better.

Raynia created Connected Life Letters to address this convergence: older adults who want to reflect on their lives while also considering the story they wish to leave behind for the future generations.  

As a social worker, Raynia understands the sensitivity and thoughtfulness needed when reviewing one’s life. As a writer, Raynia also appreciates what is required to compose a letter of such significance. It is the  combination of both the guided life review and the writing of the letter that makes Connected Life Letters unique.

Connected Life Letters consists of eight one-hour sessions, which can occur in person or virtually. The initial sessions concentrate on various life stages, including early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later years. The subsequent sessions focus on lessons learned and values. At the end of each session, Raynia suggests topics for the following session, allowing her clients time for reflection between appointments. Sessions can be arranged weekly or biweekly, depending on the client’s preferences. 

 Connected Life Letters is designed to reflect how you choose to share your story. The focus is on promoting your well-being through legacy rather than on past aspects you might prefer not to address. If you wish to share these areas, they will be approached with sensitivity and care. Difficult topics can also be discussed without necessarily being included in your letter. 

Please note: If your aim is to work through challenging or unresolved elements of a specific period in your life, Connected Life Letters may not meet your needs, as it is intended as a short-term program centred around the Life Letter. If you seek a more therapeutic approach to Life Review, engaging with Raynia’s counselling practice may be a better fit, as the questions will differ in focus, allowing sessions to progress at a more gradual pace and over a longer period.

 Life Letters are provided in both hard copy and PDF format. The draft version is reviewed during the seventh session. Clients share their feedback on edits, and adjustments are made for the final session.

 Each letter generally ranges from 500 to 2000 words, depending on the client's preferences.

Each session is billed at Rayia’s hourly rate of $165 per hour, in-person visits $185 per hour (please note some private insurance plans will cover Registered Social Workers as part of benefits).

The Life Letter writing is billed at $250 (not covered through insurance). 

Both a PDF version and a hard copy are provided to you at the conclusion.