Working with Adults who are Ill

Abstract

A diagnosis of illness can have a profound effect on how we view our lives, influencing relationships with families, friends and colleagues. Major alterations in lifestyle may be required to prevent the likelihood of symptoms recurring. Countless losses may evolve, challenging the denial of vulnerability, fallibility and lack of control so prevalent in our society today: tremendous feelings of fear, guilt, regrets, worries about other people’s reactions and concerns about coping with treatment may be evoked.