Process oriented psychologists led
by Drs. Amy and Arnold Mindell have been developing process
oriented coma work since 1975. In 1989 Arny published Coma:
Key to Awakening. StanTomandl published Coma
Work and Palliative Care: An Introductory Skills Manual
for Supporting People Living in Coma Near Death, in 1991,
and in 1998 Amy published Coma, a Healing Journey: A Guide
for Family, Friends, and Helpers.
In ComaCARE we believe rather than
being left alone, people in coma states call for a special way
of relating, that supports them wherever they are in their altered
state.
Often we are able to set up binary (yes/no) communication systems
to gain information and help make decisions. This whole process
can encourage coma clients to be more conscious of themselves
and their relationships with others around their bed. (ComaCARE
approach)
Through this established counseling process we can support clients'
‘return” or “need to leave” dependent
on their life process (caring tips
and the dying process).
Although we have explained an arousal
technique, which has had results of coma recovery, we do not
advocate some of the more aggressive techniques of shocking
people out of a coma state. Apart from the obvious human rights
issues that come to the fore we also are wary of interrupting
a necessary process which needs completion for the person to
be fully healthy in daily life (a little bit like being forcibly
awakened from a deep dream which leaves you feeling you have
missed the vital point of the dream). (coma
arousal)
We do respect that family members face tough decisions in trying
to find the best care and attention and will help refer to organisations
specializing in coma care. (links)
