Terminally ill pediatric patients and the grieving therapist

Terminally ill pediatric patients and the grieving therapist 
Psychotherapy.net, by Sara Loftin, LPC-S, RPT-S; 4/18/24 
A pediatric clinician shares the rewards and challenges of working with terminally ill children and their families. When asked about the favorite aspect of my (dream) job, I could talk for hours. I feel passionate about working in a pediatric hospital setting with chronically ill children and their families. Each day brings new challenges. ... Experiencing the death of a child is the most painful part of my job, and it will never make sense to me although logically, I know this happens. On the other hand, I feel honored to be a small part of the most vulnerable time in a family’s life, and to walk alongside them in their journey of grief and loss. ... It has been impossible for me to not be deeply impacted working in this arena. [This article includes:]

• The Dying Child ... To Tell or Not to Tell ...
• The Dying Child's Family ... Hope vs. Denial ...
• The Challenges of Working with Dying Children ... Guilt and Perspective ... Countertransference ... Boundaries and Self-Care ... Therapist as Advocate
• Postscript

Editor's Note: C-Suite Executives, read this article to understand the profound challenges that your pediatric clinicians face, daily. Weigh these when examining pediatric care data with your more typical hospice and palliative care visits. What professional support do you provide? Do not assume what they do or don't need. Ask. Be open to feedback. Learn. Deepen your appreciation and support for them in tangible ways.