The chaplain as a resource to families of patients in I.C.U.

A trained chaplain can be a major resource to families of patients in the I.C.U. The classical perceptions of a clergy person as God's representative, as an intermediator, as the repository of ethical standards and as the ritual leader at the time of death all work to help support families in crisis. Properly understood a chaplain can use these archetypical projections to help families deal with their stress. This in conjunction with the rest of the treatment team, can aid families to better cope with anxiety.