Counseling Individuals with Life-Threatening Illness

This comprehensive guide offers a holistic approach to counseling individuals facing serious illnesses and their families, addressing physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects while incorporating updated research and practical strategies for care.

Counseling Individuals with Life-Threatening Illness serves as a comprehensive, family-centered resource for professionals working with patients facing serious health challenges. This guide delves into the multifaceted impact of life-threatening illnesses, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological, social, economic, and spiritual dimensions that accompany such conditions. The second edition has been thoughtfully revised to incorporate the latest research and theoretical advancements, including a significant update to the model of concurrent care, which merges palliative and curative approaches to treatment.

The book offers practical strategies tailored for counselors and healthcare providers, equipping them to support individuals at various stages of their illness. It outlines specific tasks for patients and highlights key issues that both patients and their families must confront. Additionally, it introduces innovative therapies aimed at fostering understanding, dignity, and acceptance during the end-of-life journey. Topics such as pain management, anticipatory mourning, and caregiver stress are thoroughly explored, providing effective techniques and resources for professionals.

New features in this edition include a focus on generational differences, expanded sections on meaning-making strategies, and enhanced discussions regarding spirituality and caregiver challenges. The text also addresses post-death grief for family members and incorporates findings from the Rand Study on Concurrent Care, ensuring that readers are equipped with the most relevant and effective practices for supporting those navigating the complexities of serious illness.