Continuing Education: Clinical Work with Demoralization in Serious Illness

Demoralization, a cluster of experiences centered around feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and existential angst, is increasingly understood as an aspect of the illness experience, distinct from depression. Clinicians often struggle with how to respond to this kind of pain, for which there is rarely a clear answer or solution. This workshop seeks to help participants better understand the development of demoralization as a symptom and as a syndrome, presents case studies that highlight demoralization and the role of the social worker, and provides insight into best practices for clinical practice with seriously ill patients in any setting.

Completion of this class will result in the receipt of 2.5 continuing education hours.