Existential suffering results from being unable to manage stressors that challenge fundamental expectations about human life, such as assumptions about freedom and control. The suffering is characterized by distressing thoughts and emotions, including feelings of hopelessness, loss of meaning and dignity, fear of being a burden and dying, or even profound demoralization. Existential distress occurs at some point in the illness in a substantial portion of patients. There are a variety of evidence-based therapies and supportive actions that can reduce fear, enhance meaning and reframe hope. 

All professionals that provide serious illness care should be able to screen, recognize and address existential distress in the people they care for. In this course, we have experts in managing existential distress to pass on practical tips and advice for recognizing and relieving existential distress through various evidence-based psychological approaches.

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*Please note that courses are non-refundable.

Program Objectives

Upon finishing this course, participants should be able to:

• Define existential distress and understand its impact on patients facing serious illnesses.
• Recognize key themes and sources of distress that lead to existential suffering.
• Identify communication and caring skills that make patients feel safe in exploring personal fears, hopelessness, loss of dignity and meaning in life.
• Learn practical tips for addressing and relieving distress through application of evidence-based psychological therapies such  CALM techniques, CanTalk intervention, and incorporating religious/spiritual beliefs into patient care.

Funding acknowledgment

The Building Palliative Care Expertise through Support for Medical Subspecialty Exam Preparation Project, a 3-year project, has been generously funded by Health Canada under its Health Care Policy and Strategies Program.