Reading Between the Lines: Unpacking Patient Defense Mechanisms in Serious Illness Care

Description

When patients resist, deflect, or shut down, they are not being difficult. 

They are protecting themselves. Learn how to recognize the hidden language of defense mechanisms and respond in ways that build trust, reduce distress, and improve care. Strengthen your clinical insight and transform challenging interactions into meaningful connection by learning to read what is not being said.

KEY WEBINAR TAKEAWAYS 

• The functional purpose of defense mechanisms people may use when dealing with the stress of illness.
• Interpreting behavior as a reflection of best coping styles and identifying when a patient’s defenses may be interfering with care
• Our own biases in interpreting coping and defense styles
• Strategies for respecting defenses while supporting various coping styles

BONUS MATERIALS 

• Examples of defense mechanisms and how these may present in practice
• Suggestions of strategies to help patients cope with distress that work in tandem with their natural defenses – including suggestion talking points

WEBINAR DETAILS

Defense mechanisms are used by all of us to help mitigate the threat of distress, anxiety, fear, and unease. Having a basic understanding of how these defenses function and benefit our patients (and ourselves) expands our clinical ability to best support people through challenging times.

 THIS WEBINAR WILL BENEFIT THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES: 

• Hospice 
• Home Care
• Home Health
• Palliative Care