SECTION XXV: LIFE-THREATENING/CHRONIC ILLNESS
Therapist’s Overview
JOHNNY HAS LEUKEMIA
GOALS OF THE EXERCISE
1. For family members to open up lines of communication regarding the terminal or chronic illness of one or more members.
2. To identify the primary areas of stress within the family and assess its effects.
3. To develop stress-reduction techniques and maintain or create a supportive family and social support network.
ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO LIFE-THREATENING/CHRONIC ILLNESS
• What Do Others Value about Me? Page 117
• Why Is Dad in Bed All Day? Page 183
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT
A life-threatening or chronic illness is often devastating, especially when it strikes a younger member or more than one member of the family. It is important for family members to be familiar with the various stages they will face with the progress of the illness (i.e., shock, denial, and grief). It is also important that family members identify and express the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing. Oftentimes, it is helpful to identify a social support network. During the course of treatment, most families are dealing with issues such as stress, guilt, and depression regarding their son/daughter or parent or other relative who may be afflicted. The following exercise is designed to help families (including the member with the life-threatening chronic illness) to identify ways to reduce tension and stress.
EXERCISE XXV.A
JOHNNY HAS LEUKEMIA
FOR THE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING OR CHRONIC ILLNESS
The following exercise will help you as a family open up the lines of communication regarding the terminal or chronic illness. After completing the exercise, you should feel greater support from one another.
1. Each family member is to identify situations that create feelings of stress or conflict. Utilize “I” statements to facilitate a safe and nonthreatening atmosphere. For example, “I feel really stressed out when I have to cook dinner, clean up the dishes, and get ready to go visit Johnny in the hospital. I would feel calmer and would act more pleasant if everyone could pitch in and help.”
2. Each family member is to identify what worries him/her the most about _____’s chronic illness.
3. Each family member is to describe for the others the situations that create stress for him or her.
4. Each family member is to identify and express the positive feelings they have toward one another. The more reminders, the better.
5. As a group, family members are to brainstorm ways in which they can reduce feelings of stress. To generate even more ideas, have them ask other family members or friends how they cope.
6. All family members need to stay in touch with their own level of stress (e.g., stress thermometer, or numerical rating 1 to 10) and identify at what level they need to practice deep breathing, taking a walk, working on a fun hobby/activity, asking for a hug, calling a friend, and so forth.
7. Community support groups that are comprised of other families with chronically ill members may also be something to try.