Discussion: Death and Dying
Discussion: Death and Dying

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Discussion: Death and Dying
It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed. If you have ever lost someone very important to you, then you already know how it feels, and if you haven’t, you cannot possibly imagine it.
—Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate Events

Counselors must understand and prepare for the life-changing decisions and reactions that may accompany a client’s process of transition and adjustment during times of grief. In addition, identifying how personality, family dynamics, and particularly culture might impact each client is crucial when working with grieving families. Failure to make conscious connections with cultural boundaries and beliefs during this time can lead to further emotional distress for and among family members.

Consider for a moment, the culture of the Hmong, a people originally from various mountainous regions of Asia who immigrated in droves to the United States seeking refuge from the mid 1960s through the 1990s. For as far back as records indicate, the Hmong have viewed the human body as a vessel in which the spirit lives. When the body dies, the spirit leaves the body and traces one’s life back to its place of birth. To start the spirit on its journey, the Hmong employ a specific process that is to be carried out during one’s passing. This ceremony contrasts that of Western medical proceedings and can therefore cause a rift between cultures during this fragile time.

Similarly, many other cultures have distinct perceptions about using Western medicine and technology to lengthen life. As a counselor, how might you proactively support a family experiencing the many internal challenges related to grieving as well as those caused by external factors?

To complete this Discussion, review the case study presented at the end of Chapter 15 of The Life Span. As you read this case study, consider the emotional and behavioral reactions of each family member as he or she copes with the decline and eventual death of Victor, the family patriarch.

Post by Day 4 an explanation of the factors driving each family member’s individual reaction to terminal illness and death. Then, explain two healthy coping strategies for this family system. Include developmental, resiliency, and cultural influences on coping with loss. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.

Please note that in order to complete this discussion, you must review the case study at the end of Chapter 15 of the B&B text (p. 518). Your objectives for this assignment are:

1) an explanation of the factors driving each family member’s individual reaction to terminal illness and death
2) explain two healthy coping strategies for this family system (include developmental, resiliency, and cultural influences on coping with loss)

Your main discussion post should include citations to the text as well as at least one or two additional resources from this week. You have been provided with quite a few choices this week, many of which address the topic of loss, death or the related cultural practices. It’s important to include multiple resources in your work, and to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis in your response.

Remember to create an outline prior to drafting your post. Be sure to address all objectives, and to include an introduction and a summary.

As you consider your own views on this topic, please also reflect on the following:

— Why is a discussion of death and its meaning vital to your training as a counselor?
— How might your own views of death and dying influence your work with clients?
— What influences in your own development directly and indirectly affected the way in which you view, cope with, and respond to death?
— Are there cultural or personal traditions that you have associated with death? How and why are these meaningful to you?