Mind-Body Medicine, Specialization in Contemplative End of Life Care, Ph.D.

Return to: College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences

The specialization in Contemplative End of Life Care provides healthcare professionals with the skills and understanding to better tend to the psychospiritual needs of the chronically ill and the dying.

Palliative and end of life care are interdependent interdisciplinary efforts to enhance quality of life and symptom management during chronic and life limiting illness, including terminal disease processes.  Contemplative end of life care is a holistic approach to providing psychosocial support, comfort, and care during the time leading up to and surrounding death.

The specialization program in Contemplative End of Life Care promotes integrative, mind-body-spirit, person-centered approaches for palliative and end of life care.  The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the professional competencies to provide the emotional, spiritual, and practical care for individuals and their families who are living with life limiting and terminal illness. 

The 15-credit specialization program is interdisciplinary and designed to appeal to students currently enrolled in the PhD Mind-Body Medicine program, who have an interest in providing palliative and end of life care and services. The curriculum is applicable to individuals working in different settings such as clinical care, coaching, administration, consulting, teaching, and research.  Following completion of the specialization, students will receive a certificate of completion.  Graduates of the specialization sequence will be prepared to provide support and care of clients with chronic conditions and those approaching end of life.

Note: This specialization does not lead to licensure.  Students will gain courses and experience applicable toward certification by the Association of Death Education and Counseling (Certificate in Thanatology, Death, Dying, and Bereavement, Fellow in Thanatology, Death, Dying, and Bereavement).  Some additional requirements are not included in the Saybrook courses.