The crisis of confronting an illness may result in physical, emotional, and spiritual distress. University Hospitals of Cleveland and the Ireland Cancer Center recognize that patients and families have more than physical needs. Questions of spiritual concerns may influence a person’s thoughts, feelings, and decisions. Struggling with these questions may cause personal distress and anxiety.
Professional spiritual care counselors and chaplains offer access to non-judgmental supportive care. Spiritual care is useful as a means of increasing the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort. Spiritual care counselors can:
- Act as a companion to the patient and family on the treatment journey.
- Assist with the exploration of the relationship with self, others, God or higher power, and nature.
- Assist the patient and family with the preparation of end of life issues.
- Explore the meaning, value, and sense of being connected with life.
- Help the patient and family work through anxiety, fear, pain, frustration, and confusion.
(216) 844-1668