End-Of-Life Care: Use of Dream Therapy in Palliative Services

In the final stages of death and dying, palliative care is commonly used. Allowing an individual to die with dignity, hospice support services provide palliative care for not only the patient but also the family and support staff. If you are caring for a family member who is in the end-of-life stage and requires hospice services, and palliative care, it is important to speak with the support staff regarding alternative care options.

As an innovative approach to palliative care, some hospice patients are utilizing guided imagery and dreaming as part of the end-of-life care. As an effective form of psychosocial intervention, hospice patients are responding well to dream therapy and guided imagery during the final stage of life, often finding peace and tranquility with each session.

The advantage to dream therapy and guided imagery, especially for those end-of-life patients who do not wish to engage in traditional psychotherapy, involves the alternative form of care without carrying the stigma of psychotherapy. In addition, dream work and guided imagery can be fun and entertaining and, even in the hospice setting, can provide for palliative care that is engaging and not as invasive as other therapeutic services.

If you are considering dream work therapy or guided imagery, in the hospice setting, it is important to research the type of services and integrity of the care provider. While there are many therapists who are not certified or credentialed in palliative care, you will want to utilize the services of a therapist who is certified or credentialed as the integrity of the program should be protected.

In addition to finding a therapist that is credentialed, you may also need to find a program that is well studied and proven effective. Because guided imagery and dream therapy is commonly used in trauma centers and rehabilitation from abuse, your best source of information will come from either the hospice care center or from a therapy facility that specializes in these programs.