Palliatively Speaking - Power of the Chaplain

Episode Description

This episode features Allison Kestenbaum, Supervisor of Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education at UC San Diego Health, and Natasha Ecombe, a staff chaplain and former art curator who trained under Allison’s program. They explore the role of chaplains in palliative care, their approaches to spiritual care, and the deep impact of presence, curiosity, and reflection in the clinical setting. We get Allison's reflection on living well, including practicing gratitude, embracing connection, and having the courage to be seen and heard. We discuss how the chaplain's very presence in an important conversation affects the way the conversation unfolds, the feel and the outcome.