Dying

Monika Renz is a practicing psychotherapist, music therapist, theologian, and spiritual caregiver and has been head of the psycho-oncology unit at St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital, Switzerland, since 1998. She holds a Ph.D. in psychopathology and in theology/spirituality. An international lecturer and the author of several books, her research focuses on dying, spirituality, and spiritual care and can be found at www.monikarenz.ch.

• Acknowledgments Introduction: In Search of Inner Experiences of Dying 1. Dying and the Transformation of Perception 2. The Three Stages of Transition and Dignity 3. What Is Primordial Fear? "The 'I' Dies Into a 'Thou'" 4. Other Hearing: Beyond Space and Time 5. Metaphors of Transition 6. The Sites of Transition: Fear, Struggle, Acceptance, Family Processes, Maturation 7. Dying with Dignity: Indication-Oriented End-of-Life Care Epilogue Appendix Notes References Index

A pioneering work on research about dying and a treasury of knowledge about dying processes, this book will promote our understanding, care, and guidance of terminally ill persons. -- Pim van Lommel, cardiologist and author of Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of the Near-Death Experience Monika Renz is able to partially lift the veil shrouding the mystery of death. Based on her vast experience with the dying, her book provides an intimate and rich account of the phenomenological experience of the dying process. -- Paul T. P. Wong, Trent University, president of the Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute A bold, probing investigation into how analogies and metaphors provide fresh access to dying as the ultimate mystery of human potential. A skillful analysis of patient vignettes render palpable many ineffable and unconscious dynamics of patients' experiences as they move from conventional ego-based schema through personal, transformative, beautiful, and even painful transitions. This insightful work is a compass for reducing suffering among the dying and the living. -- Bruce L. Arnold, University of Calgary This powerful book plumbs the existential depths of our ultimate transformation. Network Review