Treating Emotional & Spiritual Distress: Approaches & Interventions

Hospice Palliative Care Bereavement Clinical Management Executive Leadership Human Resources Nursing Professional Development Social Workers & Spiritual Caregivers Volunteer Managers Social Workers Chaplains & Spiritual Caregivers

On-Demand Webinar

StreamedSep 3, 2025Duration90 minutes

Unlimited & shareable access starting
two business days after live stream
Available on desktop, mobile & tablet devices 24/7
Take-away toolkit
Ability to download webinar video
Presenter's contact info for questions

See Registration Options

Emotional and spiritual distress can manifest in a myriad of ways.

Do you know it when you see it? Can you differentiate between stress, distress, anxiety, acute stress disorder (ASD), and traumatic stress? Since distress can have spiritual, emotional, and psychological implications, it’s important to know the differences and how to avoid escalating each situation. Learn more with this detailed webinar that is chock-full of take-away tools!

AFTER THIS WEBINAR YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

Understand how hyperarousal (sleeplessness, angry outbursts, etc.) are common distress symptoms
Employ three techniques to help avoid escalation in the moment
Describe the connection between increased dementia admissions and the rise in caregiver PTSD
Use “outside-the-box” virtual approaches such as family meetings, patient/family support groups, virtual counseling, and community clergy and professionals’ involvement

WEBINAR DETAILS

Distress, in this context, can occur as a result of many situations, including social isolation, stress associated with very long and complicated treatment for an illness, guilt and regrets, unfinished/unresolved relationships, and fear associated with acknowledging death is imminent. Distress can also lead to or exacerbate behaviors such as substance misuse, suicidal ideation, and agitation and/or aggression. This webinar will look closely at addressing distress as it relates to the provision of high-quality end-of-life care.

THIS WEBINAR WILL BENEFIT THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES:

Hospice
Palliative Care

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

While this informative session is designed for chaplains and social workers, all members of the team will benefit from learning about how distress influences the care provided. The information shared will enhance all team members’ ability to respond effectively within their scopes of practice.

TAKE-AWAY TOOLKIT

Psychosocial distress and suffering assessment
Spiritual distress and suffering assessment
Sample psychosocial acuity scale
Sample spiritual acuity scale
Program evaluation checklist
Additional resources specifically related to stress, distress, and traumatic stress interventions
List of references and additional learning opportunities
Training log
PDF of slides and speaker’s contact info for follow-up questions
Attendance certificate provided, however there are no pre-approved CEs associated with this webinar

NOTE: All materials are subject to copyright. Transmission, retransmission, or republishing of any webinar to other agencies or those not employed by your agency is prohibited. Print materials may be copied for eligible participants only.

TESTIMONIALS

"Gary is extremely knowledgeable and I learned a lot. As someone who is new to hospice social work, I can walk away with ways to improve my approach and daily work."

- Alexandra, Carolina Caring