First published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Decision Making near the End of Life provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments that have impacted decision-making processes within the field of end-of-life care. The most current developments in all aspects of major underlying issues such as public attitudes, the impact of media, bioethics, and legal precedent provide the background information for the text. The authors examine various aspects of end-of-life choices and decision-making, including communication (between and among family, medical personnel, the dying person), advance directives, and the emergence of hospice and palliative care institutions. The book also explores a variety of psychosocial considerations that arise in decision-making, including religion/spirituality, family caregiving, disenfranchised and diverse groups, and the psychological and psychiatric problems that can impact both the dying person and loved ones. Case studies and first-person stories about decision-making, written by professionals in the field, bring a uniquely personal touch to this valuable text.

This volume will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent developments that have impacted decision-making processes within the field of end-of-life care. The most current developments in all aspects of major underlying issues such as public attitudes, the impact of media, bioethics, and legal precedent will provide the background information for the text. A series of chapters examines various aspects of end-of-life choices and decision-making, including communication (between and among family, medical personnel, the dying person, etc.), advance directives, and the emergence of hospice and palliative care institutions. The book also explores a variety of psychosocial considerations that arise in decision-making, including religion/spirituality, family caregiving, disenfranchised and diverse groups, and the psychological and psychiatric problems that can impact both the dying person and loved ones. Additionally, a number of moving first-person stories about decision-making, written by professionals in the field, bring a uniquely personal touch to the text.

eBook available with sample pages: HB:1560324244

"I found this book to be a well-written, sensitively presented, and important resource for those engaged in this critical area of work. Thank you, Dr. Werth, for making such a substantial contribution to this field."--Journal of Palliative Care

" This book offers] over 20 contributors, all with impeccable credentials, covering many perspectives that we need to consider more frequently and in greater depth...There is much that awaits you in this book."--Illness, Crisis, and Loss

""Counseling Clients Near the End of Life" is a marvelous resource for mental health providers who are searching for useful information in areas such as the following: resolving ethical dilemmas; assisting clients in planning for the end of life; counseling caregivers of clients who are near the end of life; and assisting people in dealing with grief. The editor of this work, Dr. James Werth, has done a splendid job of gathering various experts to share their perspectives on end of life care and choices at this time of life--and he has also written an excellent chapter on counseling clients who are dying." Gerald Corey, EdD, ABPP
Professor Emeritus of Human Services and Counseling
California State University, Fullerton

This highly accessible guide to counseling people who are terminally ill and their families fills a critical need in the counseling literature. Written for front-line mental health professionals and counseling graduate students, the text integrates research with practical guidance. It is replete with the experiences of contributing authors who are leaders in counseling terminally ill individuals, real-life case examples, clinical pearls of wisdom, and tables of practice pointers that provide quick access to valuable knowledge.

The text offers information that is requisite for all counselors who provide services to persons who are terminally ill and their families. It addresses common issues that influence different types of counseling approaches, such as how the age, ethnicity, or religion of a client affects counselor conceptualizations and actions. The book discusses how to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment near the end of life. It explains how advance directives can be used to assist dying individuals and their loved ones. The counseling needs of family members before and after death are addressed as well as counseling loved ones experiencing complicated grief. The text also examines the particular concerns of counselors regarding self-care and the benefits of working as part of a professional team. Woven throughout are important considerations such as cultural diversity, ethical challenges, laws, and regulations; and advocacy at client and social policy levels. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of additional references for more in-depth study. Key Features:

Integrates research with practical and accessible information Provides clinical "pearls" that can be put to use immediately Provides a reader-friendly format that includes real-life case studies and tables with important pointers Describes the counseling experiences of leading practitioners that include examples of successful and unsuccessful interventions Based on a comprehensive framework developed by a Working Group of the American Psychological Association