Terminally Ill Spouse: R.S
Human Service worker: Ms. Wilkens
Ms. Wilkens: “Hello Mrs. And Mr. S please sits down and makes yourself comfortable.”
Mrs. And Mr. S : “Hello.”
Ms. Wilkens: (notes) Mrs. S’ body language is somewhat stiff and awkward.
Ms. Wilkens: “I would like to begin our session by assuring you I am not here to give advice nor persuade you into expressing anything you are not comfortable with.”
Mrs. and Mr. S: Thank you. We appreciate that.
Ms. Wilkens: “I understand that you may be dealing with certain feelings with all you have been going through, and I would appreciate if you could express the type of feelings that you are having?”
Mrs. S: I have never seen a counselor before so I am feeling nervous right now. Due to my recent diagnosis of stage four cancer I am shocked and upset and scared all at the same time.
Ms. Wilkens: “Explain to me how you personally feel about your attitude toward your situation as well as your attitude with your family members and friends?”
Mrs. S: It being such a recent diagnosis I have only briefly told my son and two daughters. My husband is just as shocked and scared as I am.
Ms. Wilkens: (notes) Mrs. Berry’ facial expressions seem to be a bit saddened yet hopeful.
Ms. Wilkens: “I would like to address if you have any religious beliefs? And the reason for me asking is if you believe what you may be going through has a certain meaning?”
Mrs. S: We are Seventh Day Adventist. We have always believed in God and believe he has a plan for all of us. The meaning of life is to find God.
Ms. Wilkens: “Many people are in similar situations as yourself, have you ever considered talking to other people in with their situations?”
Mrs. S: We took every day as a gift, we have enjoyed our life, but really aren’t ready to leave yet. I have 3 lovely grandchildren.
Ms. Wilkens: “Fear is a common emotion that people encounter would you be comfortable expressing to me what fears you may have or