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Chaplain’s role in palliative care

December 6, 2011 | Author

A sign I keep in my office says, “What people need is a good listening to.”

It’s my reminder. Whether the person is sick, emotionally drained, or just tired, they often need to talk. That means someone has to listen.

Talking can be an effective way to unload one’s burdens. This is especially true in a palliative care setting. There are often emotional and spiritual issues tied up in the illness. This is the reason the chaplain is part of the palliative care team.

The patient does not have to be religious to need to talk. The person trained to be a “non-anxious presence” may just be the one they need.

 

Oftentimes I am simply the one in the room to hear the story of the one who is sick or dying. That is my function at that moment: to be a witness to their lives.

If the patient or family wants to talk about spiritual things, we do. If not, we don’t. They get to decide. I support their decision.

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Posted in Art of healing, Communication, Reflective practice, Religion Religious, Spirituality
  • Kennan Moore, LCSW

    Thanks for this, Phil  Its always helpful to have more ideas about how to share the role of the chaplain on the team when patients question the need for that support.

  • VJ

    Phil, I resonate with your comments.  Often I hear trainees say “Oh! I was just listening”. Instead, we should be saying, “Oh! I was just talking!” as talking is much easier than listening. I have found that listening is hard work and takes time and discipline to listen actively.

  • Lynn Burgess, MDiv, BCC

    A very important reminder Phil!  Thanks for the succinct message.  This is a message to continue to share with other disciplines as well as our own.  

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