Workshop on death and dying

Laura Larsen, a registered nurse from Agoura Hills, will help teach a one-day workshop at UC Irvine Extension on “Facing the Final Mystery” from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sat., June 4 in room 1012 in the University Extension Building A at the UC Irvine Extension campus, Irvine. Larsen’s coinstructor will be Patricia Armhein, Ph.D., who will address psychological intricacies of end-of-life issues.

Larsen will draw upon 30 years as a healthcare provider and share her experience of helping others cope during this difficult time. She will also address culture’s avoidance of dying and death as a stumbling block to live life fully.

The interactive course will look at how society regards aging, dying and death and will help identify options and resources for endof-life care. The workshop will help healthcare professionals and individuals prepare for this sensitive and emotional time while incorporating new psychosocial approaches to overcoming the resistance to dialogues with clients and family.

Textbook for the course is Larsen’s book, “Facing the Final Mystery.” “We want to create a workshop that would appeal to medical doctors, nurses and therapists, as well as laypeople who are willing to engage with the people in their lives about the issue of death and dying,” said Larsen. “This workshop is designed to help participants address their own fears and lives in order that they may deal with their clients or family members more effectively.” Cost for the course is $125. For more information and registration, call (949) 824-5414 or visit www.extension.uci.edu.