Description
This book introduces a process-based, patient-centered approach to palliative care that substantiates an indication-oriented treatment and radical reconsideration of our transition to death. Drawing on decades of work with terminally ill cancer patients and a trove of research on near-death experiences, Monika Renz encourages practitioners to not only safeguard patients' dignity as they die but also take stock of their verbal, nonverbal, and metaphorical cues as they progress, helping to personalize treatment and realize a more peaceful death.
About the Author
Monika Renz is a practicing psychotherapist, music therapist, theologian, and spiritual caregiver and has been head of the psycho-oncology unit at St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital, Switzerland, since 1998. She holds a Ph.D. in psychopathology and in theology/spirituality. An international lecturer and the author of several books, her research focuses on dying, spirituality, and spiritual care and can be found at www.monikarenz.ch.
Reviews
A pioneering work on research about dying and a treasury of knowledge about dying processes, this book will promote our understanding, care, and guidance of terminally ill persons. -- Pim van Lommel, cardiologist and author of Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of the Near-Death Experience Monika Renz is able to partially lift the veil shrouding the mystery of death. Based on her vast experience with the dying, her book provides an intimate and rich account of the phenomenological experience of the dying process. -- Paul T. P. Wong, Trent University, president of the Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute A bold, probing investigation into how analogies and metaphors provide fresh access to dying as the ultimate mystery of human potential. A skillful analysis of patient vignettes render palpable many ineffable and unconscious dynamics of patients' experiences as they move from conventional ego-based schema through personal, transformative, beautiful, and even painful transitions. This insightful work is a compass for reducing suffering among the dying and the living. -- Bruce L. Arnold, University of Calgary This powerful book plumbs the existential depths of our ultimate transformation. Network Review
Book Information
ISBN 9780231170888
Author Monika Renz
Format Hardback
Page Count 176
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press