pastoral thanatology

Pastoral Thanatology Certification Article on Discussing Death

Posted on by Mark Moran

Approaching the question of death with a healthy mindset is important.  Too many times, death and dying is put off and ignored.  This can create untimely preparation and confusion surrounded by the sadness.  Hence talking about death is important.

Discussions about death and dying are important. Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology Certification
Discussions about death and dying are important. Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology Certification

The article,”Changing the National Conversation around Death” looks at the importance of discussing death and dying.  It states,

“From anti-aging beauty regimens to strict diets and medical screenings, Western culture places immense value on the quality and preservation of life. Death, however, is a subject largely absent from daily conversation, and when raised, it evokes fear and anxiety.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology Certification program to learn more about death and dying and also to become certified.

 

Pastoral Thanatlogy Article on End of Life Options

Posted on by Mark Moran

End of life care can be stressful and sad for family members.  They need to know the options necessary for their loved one.   There are many routes to take depending on one’s situation in caring for the loved one.

Knowing your end of life options is important. Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology program and see if it matches your goals
Knowing your end of life options is important. Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology program and see if it matches your goals

The article, “6 Different End-of-Life Care Options to Know if You or a Loved One Is Sick” reviews the many types of care from hospice to palliative to anything in between.  The article states,

“No one wants to think about end-of-life care for themselves or a loved one. But when it comes down to it, end-of-life care is another important way of looking after a person’s health both mentally and physically. “It’s about finding the right fit and putting a team in place to help you achieve your goals,” Scott Kaiser, M.D., a family physician and geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology program and see if it matches your professional goals.

Pastoral Thanatology: How to Care For A Patient With Cancer

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How to Care for a Patient With Cancer

Cancer is a difficult disease that can be a devastating diagnosis for both the patient and their loved ones. It is important for not only the patient to be well informed, but also for the people in their life who will be caring for them during their treatment.

Symptoms and Side Effects

If cancer is discovered early the patient may not experience symptoms of the cancer itself. Often the treatment, such as chemotherapy, causes unpleasant side effects. Whether from the disease itself or from the treatment, common symptoms experienced by cancer patients include:

-Fatigue

-Loss of Appetite

-Nausea

-Hair Loss

-Digestion Problems

-Body Pain

-Skin Sores

-Sleep Problems

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

A cancer diagnosis is difficult on the mind as well as the body. Both the patient and their family may experience fear, anxiety, and depression. The stress that accompanies long term medical care can sometimes affect relationships. So, it is important that both the patient and their caregivers get the emotional support they need during this difficult time.

Caring for the Patient

A patient undergoing cancer treatment requires palliative care. Palliative care addresses the patient’s physical symptoms as well as their emotional needs. The goal is to provide a support structure for everyone involved. A good palliative team will include not only doctors and oncologists, but also counselors, possibly dietitians or nutritionists, pain specialists, sometimes clergy or chaplains, as well as friends and family members. It can be just as important for family and caregivers to seek counseling as it is for the patient, as they will be going through this journey also.

Different Types of Cancer Require Specialized Approaches

Some forms of cancer are common and therefore they are easier to treat. But, certain rare types can be more challenging. Professionals, like those at Missouri Cancer Associates, know that some cancers spread at faster rates than others, which means that a timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial. For example, small cell lung cancer is one aggressive type of cancer that spreads much more quickly than many other forms. There are two types of small cell lung cancer, small cell carcinoma (sometimes called oat cell cancer) and combined small cell carcinoma. Because these two forms of cancer are very aggressive, it is crucial to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Quality Care Makes a Difference

Whether you or someone you love has received a diagnosis of cancer, it is important to tend to both physical and emotional needs. Seek both physical and psychological therapy, make nutrition a priority, do light exercise regularly. Most importantly, stay positive on your road to wellness.

 

If you would like to learn more about Pastoral Thanatology or care of the dying, please review our Pastoral Thanatology Program for more information and see if it matches your academic and professional needs to become certified in this field.

Pastoral Thanatology and the Rise of Retirees

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Rise in Retirees: How More Seniors Affects Healthcare Careers

The aging of the American population is expected to make dramatic changes in a number of aspects of the society. Baby Boomers, people who were born between 1946 and 1964, will contribute huge numbers to the number of elderly over the coming decades. This population will have increasing healthcare needs that will provide many new career opportunities.

Expanded Careers in Nursing

The growing number of people utilizing healthcare services is already straining the number of workers in the nursing profession. This trend is expected to continue as the U.S. population ages, and many more nurses will be needed in coming years. Advanced practice nurses, in particular, will be needed. These are nursing graduates who have continued their education in specialized areas of nursing, such as cardiac care, pediatrics, oncology and renal care. The shortage of physicians is likely to expand the responsibilities of nurse practitioners, as well, which will be a growing field in upcoming years.

Rehabilitative Therapies

Joint replacement surgery, post-stroke rehabilitation and other medical conditions will require the increased use of workers trained in physical therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and other services. Advanced degrees in these fields will be required to design and oversee therapeutic treatments for a wide range of health conditions.

Gerontology Services

Gerontology, the field of healthcare that deals with the special needs of aging individuals, will take a much more prominent position in treatment protocols. The aged often have different needs than younger patients and may have more difficulty getting access to and implementing treatment services that can dramatically impact their state of health. Both private facilities and public agencies will require workers trained in this specialized field to maximize services to this population. Individuals with degrees such as a Master of Aging Services Management and Master of Arts in Gerontology will help to administer programs in a variety of settings to aid this population. You can even find USC masters in aging online if you need a maximum flexibility in your schedule.

Pharmaceutical Support

The development of a broad range of medications to manage medical conditions in the elderly has made a significant difference in both longevity and quality of life. As pharmaceutical companies continue to expand the number of drugs available to treat hypertension, cardiac conditions, cancer, respiratory diseases and renal problems, highly skilled workers with special training in medication management will be needed, for both institutional care and home-health services.

Overall Prospects

An aging population will require many new services that will help to improve their quality of life in later years. Individuals who have the training necessary to fill these new positions will benefit with a variety of new opportunities. The US demographic is distinctly trending to a large population of senior and retired citizens, and with the country’s large population base, we can expect a career in aging services to remain a stable and increasingly in-demand industry for decades to come.

 

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty.

 

With the rise in seniors, there will be a higher need for those trained in Pastoral Thanatology.   A Pastoral Thanatology Certification can help train qualified professionals in the necessary steps to care for the elderly in mind, soul and body.

AIHCP

Palliative Care and the Dying

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Palliative Care and Death

Pastoral Care givers are thrilled that more options are becoming more available for dying patients to live their remaining lives at home and in decency.  Federal laws are looming that may help families afford this option and give their loved ones some peace in their final days.

Irma Faith Pal of Inquirer News writes about the growing need of good and affordable Palliative Care in her article, “Palliative Care: Helping the Dying “To Live Until He Dies”

“For any family, it is devastating to hear doctors say there is nothing more they can do for the patient.
But with palliative care, patients and their families can face the prospect of death more courageously. It offers well-thought-out “goals of care” that ease suffering and give the patient the opportunity to die with dignity and in comfort.”

To read the full article, please click here

If you are interested in learning more about Pastoral Thanatology, then please review the program and click here

AIHCP

The Pastoral Care Giving Provider as an Exquisite Witness

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

What is an Exquisite Witness in Pastoral Care?

Mother Theresa is an excellent example of an Exquisite Witness(Photo by Túrelio)
Mother Theresa is an excellent example of an Exquisite Witness(Photo by Túrelio)
In Pastoral Care, one crosses the line of just merely a provider but also a spiritual friend.  A friend who is there to comfort and reassure the spiritual and emotional element of a patient.  An Exquisite Witness is one who personifies this element of care of the dying.
From a defintion, an Exquisite Witness is a “health care, pastoral, or volunteer care provider  who enters the sacred space between two human souls-having the deepest respect for the yearning, seeking, and wishful hopes of the other to diminish the pain and survive in a new world after a loss.”
Beyond this, an Exquisite Witness is not judged by training but one’s willingness to care for other people and treat them with respect as they face the unknown of death.  St. Theresa of Calcutta comes to mind when one thinks of someone with such deep sancity and care for the sick.
Ultimately when it comes to witnessing, it is jouney where one does not pretend to have all the answers or cures but instead takes the time to sojourn with someone-to listen, observe and follow.
In Pastoral Care Giving, a witness also enters into three dimensions of care.  The first is the heart dimension.  Within the heart dimension, one finds the process of how old personal losses rise to mind when dealing with someone else’s current losses.  Sometimes these memories can affect the caregivers ability to properly witness.  The old memory haunts them so they avoid the current patient, or the old memory prevents the caregiver from focusing on the current pain of an indiviudal.  Caregivers must address the heart dimension of caregiving if they wish to properly care for the sick and dying
The second dimension is the head dimension.  This dimension is one’s knowledge of what grief is and how it applies to certain cases.  One’s experience and education are key elements to the head dimension.
Finally, the third dimension is the hands dimension.  This represents how the care provider acts and performs his or her duties for the patient.  It represents how the witness engages the grieving during their process of mourning.
These three dimensions are key to what we call an Exquisite Witness.  Hopefully as care givers we can all utilize our talents, as Mother Theresa, and help the dying find peace and solitude.
If you are interested in Pastoral Thanatology, please review the program.
(Information for this article was found in “Helping Grieving People-When Tears Are Not Enough” by J. Shep Jeffreys.)
Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Pastoral Thanatology and Judaism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Judaism and Pastoral Thanatology

As a Pastoral Counselor and Thanatologist, it is important to have a broad understanding of all religious ideals and faiths.  This enables the counselor to pastorally care for the suffering and soon to die in a compassionate way that accommodates the individual.  Christians will not always deal with Christians, so it is important to broaden one’s theological knowledge into all faiths.   We will briefly review some of the primary concepts of Judaism and death to sharpen one’s knowledge in inter-faith dialogue and practice.

Judaism as a non-creedal religion has various interpretations on the afterlife, but the general consensus is affirmation of the next world.  Heaven and Hell again or not clearly defined but within the Jewish circle, most contend that it is a reunification with God and a sharing of happiness with family.  Salvation is based upon a good life on earth that is open to all people.  One does not need to share in the Jewish religion to be saved, but must adhere to a good and moral life to obtain salvation.   Upon death all are judged and eventually share in the resurrection.  Resurrection is believed to be physical if a Traditional Jew, while the resurrection is believed to be only spiritual if one is a Reformed Jew.  These slight differences and no dogmatic declarations leave one with a small variety of differences, however, if counseling a dying Jew, one can rest assured if the Jew is religious, he or she shares in a belief of God and the afterlife.
In regards to burial, the traditional Jew is placed in a simple wooden box casket and clothed in plain white shrouds.  These shrouds are placed upon the deceased after the cleansing prayers.  The funeral itself is divided into two parts.  The first is held at the synagogue or funeral home and the second is held at the gravesite.  Mourning, freedom of emotion and other public expressions are encouraged here as the relatives and friends share in their grief.
As a pastoral counselor this information is important, but most important to the science of Thanatology is the care of the dying.  In Judaism, care for the dying is extremely important.  The person who is dying must be constantly attended to and never left alone.  All of their wishes, even the most minor thirst, must be answered.  Close members of the family consider these to blessed tasks.   Such close care allows the family to express their love but also to give the dying a sense of peace and love.  Once the person has expired, the son or nearest relative closes the eyes and mouth of the parent are closed.  The body then undergoes a ritualistic series of cleansing and purification.
It is important if witnessing the death of a devout Jew to understand these rituals.  While you may not partake individually in these functions, having a solid understanding of them may come to be of service to the family.  It is also important for the dying themselves to feel understood.  Potentially sharing scripture and God’s love can be of great service to a dying Jew.  Remember, if a Theist, there is much Christians and Jews share in regards to the God of Abraham.   Share these precious mutual stories and beliefs of faith that bind Christians and Jews alike.  In the end, that is what will allow you as a Pastoral Counselor to succeed in inter-faith dialogue.

Pastoral Thanatology and Islam

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Islam and Pastoral Thanatology

Islam while a Monotheistic creed does pose a challenge for a Western counselor.   The Pastoral Thanatologist, however, can meet the needs of the Islamic suffering by covering the general aspects of paradise and a good and just God; a God that is the same and shared by all monotheistic traditions as the God of Abraham.   Still, a slight understanding of Islamic death and eschatology can be of great benefit when counseling a Muslim who is about to die.
Upon approach of death of a Muslim, verses of the Quran are read to remind the person of his faith.   At the moment of death, ritualistic purification is necessary.  These rituals play a pivotal role in Islam and at the moment of death such rituals continue to play an important role.  One such ritual is the washing of the body.  This ritual is conducted by a professional washer who recites part of the Quran.  After completion of this, the body is wrapped in a white shroud and taken to the Mosque.  There a service is conducted with readings from the Quran and other rituals. 

Within 24 hours, the body is prepared for burial.   The body then is laid in a wooden coffin facing Mecca.  Practices such as embalming or preservation or forbidden since the theology of Islam believes the body should return to the ground as quickly and naturally as possible.   During the following months after death, the family continues to pray for the deceased begging for his or her intercession before God.
The Eschatology of Islam contains many common principles with other Monotheistic religions.  The theme of life after death, judgment and resurrection of the body are shared within the Muslim community.  Ideas of reincarnation and other Eastern ideals are rejected.   Upon judgment of the soul, it is either condemned to a life of bliss or life of torment.   Some believe the “fire” can be temporary for purgation while some others are in doubt whether the fire is eternal.  In regards to heaven, Muslims believe it is the reward of the just, but, according to some, can still be attained by those who suffer purgation.   Regardless, all Muslims believe the soul returns to the grave whether to exist in a state of bliss or a state of misery until the end day.  Upon that day, the souls undergo a general judgment and enter into the “garden” of paradise or enters into the “fire”.   Again, the eternal nature of the “fire” is an open debate among Muslims.   Some literalistic Muslims refer to the bridge that must be crossed on that judgment day.  The souls of the just across a wide bridge across the fire to the garden.  They are beckoned by the Prophet, Mohammad.  While the souls of the unjust have a narrow bridge as sharp and narrow as that of a sword.   Upon this day, the souls are finally granted their reward or punishment.
In understanding these slight differences of eschatology and death, Western pastoral counselors can better comfort the grieving and suffering people of the Islamic world.  Whether it be to the one who is about to die or the family that surrounds him or her, an understanding of the Quran and eschatology of Islam would always be appreciated by those in need and anguish. 

By Mark Moran, MA
 

Pastoral Thanatology and Hinduism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Hinduism and Pastoral Thanatology

Pastoral counselors or Thanatologists can come into contact with an array of theologies that are not particular to the West.  Many of the Eastern religions are no exception to this.  It is very important for the counselor to be aware of at least some of the theology of these religions, especially in regards to death.
Hinduism is one of the key Eastern religions.  It surpasses Buddhism in age and many of the tenets of Buddhism derive from Hinduism.  There are slight differences regarding the essence of God, the number of reincarnations, and final enlightenment, but the preparations for death have the same essence and core; death is preparation for the next life or enlightenment.  So 

despite the different rituals and slight theological differences both religions share a common theme in regards to how death is viewed.
Hinduism views death as a portal to the next life and eventual enlightenment or reunion with Brahman.   However, the cycles of reincarnation can be endless until that reunification is finally achieved.  Karma determines not only when the cycle of  rebirth will end, but also the quality of life in the next rebirth.  Hence good living and good dying is critical to a Hindu. 
The purpose of the Hindu rites of the dead is to ensure that death is a smooth transition for the deceased and that he or she may attain enlightenment or a good rebirth.  While these rites can last up to a year, most rites only last ten days after the death of the family member.  Prior to death, the soon to be deceased is surrounded by family and read to from the holy texts of the Veda and Bhagavad Gita.  After the initial death, usually a son then cleanses his parent’s body.  Drops from the Ganges River are sometimes applied at the lips.  Following this, the body is wrapped in white.  Within a day or two, the body is prepared for cremation, so that the body may travel to the next life.  The body is also burned as a sacrifice.
During the ten days, the family offers various prayers and offerings to God and also the Brahmins on behalf of the deceased.  While the karma of the deceased will ultimately decide his or her fate, these prayers can be of some benefit.  Finally after the tenth day, the ghostlike period of the deceased ends and on the eleventh day the soul will find enlightenment or a new rebirth; the quality of that rebirth being dependent upon the karma of that person.   Eventually after the soul learns the value of self sacrifice and love, it can claim its reunification with Brahman.
Knowing these theological beliefs and reading the texts of Hinduism can ensure that one who deals with pastoral issues of death can be of help and comfort to someone with these beliefs.  It is not an issue for Western counselors to change their beliefs but to be well informed and a better global care giver to the many needs of other cultures in addition to the needs of the West.
If you are interested in the program, please click here.
 

Pastoral Thanatology and Buddhism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Pastoral Thanatology and Buddhism

There are rare occasions when the counselor or pastoral agent may find himself or herself in a situation that is beyond the monotheistic theologies of the West.  In such cases, a pastoral care goes beyond administering theological guidance but merely treating the person in a humane way and being well informed regarding their dying rites.  One distant theology that most pastoral thanatologists rarely study is Buddhism. 

Buddhism is an Eastern religion stemming out of India and China.  Its basic idea of God differs from Western theology.  God is not a being, but the idea of God is merely creation as it is.  The cosmos has always existing within itself and everyone shares in that existence on multiple planes and dimensions.  Among the many worlds one can exist is Earth.  On Earth, a person’s status as a human being or animal is determined by one’s karma or how they existed in the previous life.  The importance of good living is emphasized due to this because one hopes to achieve a better next life-whether on Earth or in a celestial heaven.  These reincarnations, however, are limited and the eventual key is to attain the state of Nirvana, or nothingness.  In this state, one can escape all form of suffering .  Various enlightened men or beings achieve certain elevated states known as Buddhas, who aid the common people in their aspiration for enlightenment or Nirvana.  Under the guidance of these enlightened beings, preparation for the next life is examined as well as proper death to achieve the desired end in the next life.  It is for this reason that family of the dying or soon to be deceased take great care to ensure that all the spiritual needs of their loved one are met.  It is imperative that spiritual rituals are conducted so that the soon to be deceased may make a good transition into the next life.  This is especially critical during the final hours of life.
Death is seen as an opportunity for a new life.  Mourning and other human emotions are ideally held back to prevent any excessive regret or drama in the dying person.  It is important to clear the state of mind so that the dying person can find good rebirth.   The dying person, if trained under the guidance of Buddhist principles, or trained by religious monks, hopes to control his or her subconscious as much as possible during his or her final minutes on Earth as he or she enters into the unknown of death.  This is something most Buddhists prepare for their whole life via mental and spiritual exercises. As death approaches, the Buddhist approaches the eight stages of death.  The first stages deal with physical symptoms as the life force leaves the body, while the later stages deal with visions of the soul.  In these later stages, the consciousness exists simply as a subtle mind sustained by very little energy.  In these later stages, the more trained the Buddhist, the more it is said he or she remembers of his or her previous life. 
 After death is completed, family members and religious leaders begin a series of prayers, offerings, mantras and other rituals for the person’s benefit.    For 49 days, prayers are said for the deceased to aid the person in his ghostly wandering.  The purpose is to help the soul find a good rebirth and to be safe from evil entities who may guide one wrongly into a bad rebirth.  After the 49 days, the soul, if lucky, finds either a higher state of being or at least a human state to exist in.  The reincarnated state then begins the entire cycle over until eventual Nirvana.
While odd and incompatible with Western ideals, the pastoral thanatologist or counselor can help those who suffer no matter what the creed.  When dealing with Buddhists, it is important to remember that death is a doorway to rebirth.  In many ways, they have prepared for death their whole life and welcome it as a way to improve themselves.  With this in mind, it is important to be respectful of such traditions and try to ease the mind of the suffering as much as possible, preparing them within their tradition for their final breathe.
If you are interested in the program, click here.