Living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects more than just the kidneys. For many patients and caregivers, PKD can also bring fear, uncertainty, grief, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion – especially during major transitions like starting dialysis or coping with worsening kidney function.
Join nephrologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Gavril Hercz and renal social worker Cinzia Di Carlo from Humber River Health for a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about the mental health side of kidney disease, especially as patients approach kidney failure and dialysis. Together, they’ll explore the emotional challenges that can come with PKD, including loss of independence, changes in identity, caregiver stress, and the uncertainty of what comes next.
You’ll also learn practical tools and coping strategies to help support emotional well-being, build resilience, and feel less alone. This session is open to patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals, and will include time for Q&A.
About the presenters
Dr. Gavril Hercz has been a nephrologist for nearly 40 years, helping build Humber River Hospital’s nephrology program, which now cares for over 600 dialysis patients. Seeing how kidney disease impacts both body and spirit, he trained as a psychoanalyst and developed “psychonephrology” – an approach that addresses patients’ emotional as well as medical needs.
He created a Transition Care Unit to support people starting dialysis, focusing on anxiety, depression, and the loss of independence. This innovative program has improved patient well-being, inspired other hospitals, and earned Dr. Hercz the International Psychoanalytical Association’s inaugural Community Award in Health.
Cinzia Di Carlo, MSW, RSW, psychotherapist is a renal social worker at Humber River Health. She provides support to individuals approaching the need for dialysis and those currently receiving treatment. She works with patients and their families to support those living with chronic kidney disease and polycystic kidney disease through education, counselling, and compassionate care.
Cinzia is committed to providing a culturally safe and patient centered approach to care. Her approach is trauma informed, and strengths and empowered oriented based. Cinzia also has counselling experience with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, intimate partner violence as well as with coping with life transitions. She is one of the 2025 recipients of the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Ontario Impact Award.