Abstract

Response-based counselling in hospice and palliative care emphasises creating a supportive environment where patients and their families can navigate and express their emotional journeys. This approach shifts the focus from problem-solving to understanding and accepting each individual’s unique experience. By grounding the counselling process in empathy, unconditional acceptance, and authenticity, counsellors establish a foundation of trust, allowing patients and families to feel safe during vulnerable moments. This method addresses the multifaceted needs of patients, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, and adapts to their evolving requirements throughout their journey. The counsellor’s role extends beyond advocacy to being a consistent, compassionate presence that honours each patient’s dignity and autonomy. While this approach offers significant benefits, it also presents challenges, such as managing expectations and the emotional burden on counsellors. Overall, responsebased counselling fosters a deeply human connection, supporting patients and families through life’s most profound transitions.