Pastoral thanatology is a specialism that combines the scientific study of death and dying (thanatology) with the spiritual and emotional care that is intrinsic to pastoral ministry. While doctors and nurses concentrate on the physical ending of life, a pastoral thanatologist deals with the “whole pain” that can accompany terminal illness. It is in high demand as healthcare moves towards holistic palliative care to produce those qualified persons who can help with that final transition.
Appreciating the role of a pastoral thanatologist therefore requires that you first be informed as to the difference between general pastoral care and specialized thanatology. General pastoral care often provides advice for whole spiritual life journeys. By contrast, thanatology is the study of death. AIHCP’s program in Pastoral Thanatology ties together these two aspects of pastoral care and dying.
A pastoral thanatologist integrates these two disciplines. He/she is not merely saying prayers. He/she has a sophisticated understanding of the psychological stages of grief, the physical processes of dying and the societal impact that death has on a family. He/she is well versed in such pioneers as Elizabeth Kubler Ross in helping and caring for the dying
So, if you are a nurse who needs to increase one’s knowledge in palliative care, or a minister wishing better to serve those members of his/her flock mourning the death family, or even for counselor specializing in bereavement issues then AIHCP’s certification in Pastoral Thanatology can aid you in that professional development. Even healthcare professionals who are attempting to become more holistic in their approach of body and soul can utilize this certification to better educate themselves in the care of their patients.
SOME OF THE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CERTIFIED PASTORAL THANTOLOGIST:
- Providing empathetic support regarding questions surrounding death
- Supplying a safe and peaceful place during one’s transition to the afterlife
- Listening to the needs and concerns of the dying
- Helping the dying come to emotional resolutions regarding any unfinished business with duties and family
- Performing (sometimes when permissible and if qualified) death rituals
- Consoling the bereaved and the family through proven counseling skills during the process of death
- Educating the dying and family about the secular and, if requested, religious aspects of death
- Coordinating, if necessary, the visit of any requested religious figures to perform rituals or rites
- Working with staff to ensure the dying is comfortable
- Supplying education, grief counseling, or other forms of counseling to family members
- Aiding the family after death emotionally, as well as providing insight into funeral planning and contact
- Training others in the medical field in pastoral approach of the dying and help improve bedside manners of physicians and nurses
SETTINGS WHERE CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS MIGHT PRACTICE:
- Health care organizations
- Acute care hospitals
- Long-Term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Churches
- Hospices
- Home health agencies
- Social service agencies
- Outpatient care centers
- Private settings
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Pastoral Thanatologist?
Pastoral thanatologists perform a critical service. It is a the vocation that beckons a rare blend of compassion, knowledge, intellectual sharpness, and spiritual depth the dying and their family. It requires great empathy, time and energy.
For professionals who wish to expand their career in medicine or ministry, AIHCP’s Certification in Pastoral Thanatology provides a way to make a major impact for the last days, hours, or minutes of a person. Moreover, it affirms the unique combination of skills that you bring to your work. Many healthcare professionals, as well chaplains, religious figures, and those in the counseling fields, especially grief counseling, find the Pastoral Thanatology Certification as a useful tool for furthering education as well as enhancing their resume.
If this practice specialty interests you then please review our program and feel free to speak with our advisors regarding our complete education program and courses leading to qualifications to achieve the certification.