Facing up: psychotherapists writing about dealing with the idea of one’s own death

Abstract

This article discusses psychotherapists writing about their own dealings with mortality. It includes a review of select literature with a focus on psychotherapists writing about dealing with the idea of his or her own future death. Themes that emerged from interviews with two existentially oriented psychotherapists are elaborated. The article includes personal/professional reflections by the author, along with possible clinical applications for psychotherapists, health care providers or other caring people who deal with mortality issues.