Dream work with the terminally ill is an effective intervention modality. Despite this, it remains an understudied phenomenon. This article will review the literature on the subject in an attempt to make recommendations regarding future research into this methodology. The author explores dream work with patients at end-of-life and contrasts it with dream work with trauma survivors. Complementary and alternative medicine interventions used to support the terminally ill are also surveyed. Hypnotic guided imagery at end of life in particular are examined and compared with dream work methodologies. Benefits from these therapies are outlined, as well as potential problems that practitioners may encounter with their utilization.
Support groups have been found to be effective therapy for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Proponents of dream work report benefits that may enhance the effectiveness of these groups. Specifically, the use of dream work may strengthen group cohesiveness, encourage members to discuss the emotional and psychological components of their illnesses, and introduce topics related to death and dying that these groups can sometimes avoid. This paper presents the results of an initial effort to use dream groups as supportive therapy for cancer patients.
Public education is a means of supporting trauma survivors without impeding their natural recovery process by providing accurate information about normal reactions and ways to cope in the aftermath of community disaster. It can also be used to screen for high-risk individuals who could benefit from ongoing care. Normalizing trauma reactions and eliminating the hardship of seeking mental health resources may reduce the stigma associated with obtaining this type of support. One way to accomplish this is by linking psychoeducation with concrete services, a tactic that may also attract greater numbers of participants. This article explores the literature on the subject and reports the results of psychoeducation interventions provided in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The format and outcome of the public education workshops are presented along with case material. Recommendations for implementation, including other potential applications of this methodology, are highlighted. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 4:1-10 (2004)]
This case highlights the observation that desire for hastened death fluctuates for patients at end-of-life and may be influenced by factors under the control of the palliative care team.
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