Supporting Sick Children and Their Families

Provides guidance relating to the provision of emotional, psychological and spiritual support for sick or dying children and their families. In addition to covering the practical and underlying theoretical approaches to counselling, with illustrative reflective scenarios, this book also explores defence mechanisms and coping strategies.

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This practical, sensitive and supportive book, written by a highly experienced Family Liaison Officer in child health, provides comprehensive guidance relating to the provision of emotional, psychological and spiritual support for sick or dying children and their families. In addition to covering the practical and underlying theoretical approaches to counselling, with illustrative reflective scenarios, the book further explores defence mechanisms and coping strategies - with some chapters focussing on the range of emotions that a child and their family members may express or feel. Additional chapters expertly cover distressing and complex issues and practicalities surrounding the culture of hospitalisation; preparing for the death of a child; and organ donation and transplantation. Equally relevant to care in the community, the book concludes with a chapter on focussing on specific community issues, preceded by an extremely informative chapter on staff support.