9781422271094

Psychologists should be empathetic when listening to a bereaved person’s story.

problems as they arise. They should be moral and ethical so that patients can trust them with their deepest fears and emotions. They should love learning new things for the sake of learning itself. They should also be able to set boundaries with patients so that both the therapist and the patient understand what is expected of them versus what would be improper. A thanatologist is usually dealing with life-and-death situations and helping patients cope with fear and panic, sadness, anger, resentment, and worries about their loved ones. It’s important for thanatologists to stay involved in, but not be overwhelmed by, a patient’s suffering and emotions.

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Death and Dying Psychology