Spiritual Care
University Hospitals Spiritual Care Team Encourages Patients with Cancer
The spiritual care team at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center understands how spiritual and religious issues and activities play an important role in coping and adjusting to life during and after cancer.
Like the medical care delivered at UH Seidman Cancer Center, spiritual care is specially tailored for each patient’s needs. The spiritual counselor helps patients and families work through stress and other overwhelming emotions that often accompany cancer care.
Spiritual Care Bolsters Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Professional spiritual care counselors and chaplains provide thoughtful, non-threatening therapy with a foundation in religious and spiritual matters. Their work complements services provided by clinical and psychological experts on the UH Seidman Cancer Center care team. Spiritual care can bolster a patient’s physical and emotional well-being as the counselors engage in the following:
- Act as companions to the patient and family on the cancer treatment journey
- Assist with the exploration of the relationship with self, others, God (or other higher power) and nature
- Help with end-of-life issues
- Explore meaning and value, while encouraging patients to maintain relationships and involvement in the world outside of cancer care
- Help the patient and family work through anxiety, fear, pain, frustration and confusion
Spiritual care counselors approach their work without judgment or preconceived notions. Their services are available to all, regardless of religious denomination or absence of one. Spiritual care counselors are available to talk about any issue, large or small. They can offer fellowship and companionship, or they can just listen.
Spiritual Care Team Helps Patients Cope
Our spiritual care counselors act as a liaison between the patient and clinical team as they explore ways caregivers can help meet the patient's spiritual needs. The counselors are trained to help patients cope and adjust using a variety of tools and techniques, including:
- Exploring belief systems or philosophies of life
- Encouraging participation in spiritual practices or rituals
- Using spirituality or religion as a source of strength in a crisis
- Practicing prayer, reflection and meditation