The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the issues and implications of dying, death and loss in their own lives and in the lives of their clients. Death and loss will impact each of us personally and professionally throughout our lives. Counselors must be prepared for this impact both because of its importance with regard to "self-care" and because regardless of whether or not you specifically serve the terminally ill and the bereaved, you will encounter clients facing death or loss during the course of your career. This seminar presents an overview of the basic historical and cultural issues related to our efforts to grapple with dying and death and explores the social processes by which we recognize, understand, and allow grief in our culture (and others). This seminar will present opportunities for self-exploration and reflection on this difficult topic so that candidates can gain a better understanding of how best to work with people who are dying and/or grieving. Theories on loss and grief processes will be explored as well as established best practice models for evaluating, assessing and treating clients with terminal illness, their family members, and the bereaved.
- Faculty: DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS