In most cases, the diagnosis of terminal disease is accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety. People are most concerned that they will die in pain or alone.
A therapist working with terminally ill should take the issue of death seriously and be able to deal with it to the utmost possible extent. Diagnosis of a serious illness is always a shock for the patient.
He cannot perceive his feelings which can eventually help him to get through the bad news. Then comes the reality in the form of surgery, treatment, limitation of activities, profession and the needs of the sick person to bear/cope wit all his emotions.
Our society not only fear death, but mostly dying. People are afraid of what they do not know and the loneliness, feeling pain, and destitution.
They are scared of leaving with "debts", e.g. their relationships remain unsolved, they will not be forgiven, or that they themselves will not forgive their loved ones.