What Will Learn?

This course provides an overview of the principles and techniques of therapy with terminally ill clients. It will cover topics such as the impact of terminal illness on physical and emotional functioning, the development of coping strategies, and the skills needed to provide compassionate end-of-life care. The course will also discuss common ethical issues related to this specialty such as informed consent, confidentiality, and decision-making. Through a combination of lectures, readings, discussions, and case studies we will explore how therapists can provide meaningful support for clients who are facing end-of-life challenges.

This course is part of the Accelerated Doctoral in Grief Counseling at AITU The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of major concerns and issues relevant to working with terminally ill clients and clients dealing with debilitating illness or serious diagnoses. Topics will include working with clients who live with serious illness, counseling clients through a difficult diagnosis, counseling clients who are approaching the terminal phase of their lives, and addressing terminal illness within the family system. It is a 6-hour semester course that should be completed within 6 weeks.