Case Studies of Psychotherapy with Dying Persons

This paper briefly discusses several theoretical models in the field of thanatology and indicates how they can be applied clinically (through psychotherapy) to facilitate preparation for death in terminally ill patients. Factors to consider when doing psychotherapy with such patients include nearness to death, potential involvement of family members, and most importantly, the patient's emotional needs. Since the area of psychotherapy with the terminally ill is a relatively new field, we conclude with several recommendations for future research and clinical investigation.