Prepared to die: A reflection on responding appropriately to complex questions

Authors

  • Stewart Kendall

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol26iss4id23

Abstract

This article is a reflective journey of my own ‘in-the-moment’ response to a client’s question about how to appropriately respond to a terminal diagnosis. A brief summary is provided of the way I responded to this situation, followed by an exploration of other ways that I may have been able to respond that could have been more appropriate to the client’s needs. My reflection proceeds to incorporate general ideas of how social workers can respond to challenging questions and situations. 

Author Biography

Stewart Kendall

Stewart Kendall is a social worker currently working in the oncology area at Christchurch Hospital. 

References

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. (2008). The Code of Ethics of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers.

Christchurch: Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers.

Gillies, J., & Neimeyer, R. (2006). Loss, grief, and the search for significance: Toward a model of meaning reconstruction in bereavement. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 19(1), 31-65.

Goldsworthy, K. (2005). Grief and loss theory in social work practice: All changes involve loss, just as all losses require change. Australian Social Work, 58(2), 167-178.

Jackson, K., & Samuels, G. (2010). Multiracial competence in Social Work: recommendations for culturally attuned work with multiracial people. British Journal of Social Work, 56(1), 235-245.

Kelly, B. (2003). Worth repeating: More than 5,000 classic and contemporary quotes. Michigan: Kregel Publications.

Miller, L. (2012). Counselling skills for social work. London: Sage.

Webb, S. (2001). Some considerations on the validity of evidence-based practice in social work. British Journal of Social Work, 31(1), 57-79.

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Published

2016-03-12

How to Cite

Kendall, S. (2016). Prepared to die: A reflection on responding appropriately to complex questions. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 26(4), 22–24. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol26iss4id23

Issue

Section

Articles