Existential Distress Series

Existential suffering results from being unable to manage stressors that challenge fundamental expectations about human life, such as assumptions about freedom and control. The suffering is characterized by distressing thoughts and emotions, including feelings of hopelessness, loss of meaning and dignity, fear of being a burden and dying, or even profound demoralization. Existential distress occurs at some point in the illness in a substantial portion of patients. There are a variety of evidence-based therapies and supportive actions that can reduce fear, enhance meaning and reframe hope. 


All professionals that provide serious illness care should be able to screen, recognize and address existential distress in the people they care for. In this all-day seminar we have experts in managing existential distress to pass on practical tips and advice for recognizing and relieving existential distress through various evidence-based psychological approaches.

This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine. You may claim a maximum of 4.75 hours (credits are automatically calculated). 


Learning Objectives

  • Define existential distress and understand its impact on patients facing serious illnesses.
  • Recognize key themes and sources of distress that lead to existential suffering.
  • Identify communication and caring skills that make patients feel safe in exploring personal fears, hopelessness, loss of dignity and meaning in life.
  • Learn practical tips for addressing and relieving distress through application of evidence-based psychological therapies such  CALM techniques, CanTalk intervention, and incorporating religious/spiritual beliefs into patient care.


  1. What is existential distress, and how can we measure it? - Dr Alan Bates 
  2. Ten Practical Tips on using Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) - Dre Sarah Hales
  3. Using CBT microskills: tips for all clinicians - Dre Kathryn Mannix
  4. Supporting the spiritual/religious person with existential distress - Dre Sarah Byrne-Martelli
  5. Using 'Intensive Caring' to support a person with abject suffering - theory to bedside - Dr Harvey Chochinov


 CSPCP Members

*NEW for 2025* Existential Distress Series
CA $75.00 Register


CSPCP Membership information
is available here


 Non-Members

*NEW for 2025* Existential Distress Series
CA $110.00 Register