Abstract
The present discussion explores the existing literature to determine the degree to which current psychological models of the dying process are able to inform therapeutic practice with the terminally ill. It briefly outlines the models and through identifying their limitations, suggests ways in which a new model may enhance both the theory of and practice with, the terminally ill. It concludes that a new model needs to address the interaction of contextual variables, acknowledging the setting in which both the dying process and therapeutic practice occur.