Exploring Near-Death Awareness

Abstract

The author used a literature review to investigate how care givers can respond to deathbed visions experienced by the dying adult patient. The phenomena were defined and examples provided. Criteria for a review of empirical and anecdotal literature were provided. Suggestions for further research indicated in the review of literature were discussed. Clinical applications for counsellors who work with adults experiencing the phenomena were suggested. These application included recommendations to explore the phenomena with the experient by investigating the symbolic language often used by experients to relate their experience to others and the provision of a suggested approach to explore symbolic dreams. The discussion also included a call to break the code of professional silence that can occur with regard to the phenomena, in part to increase the level of care that can be provided to dying people.