Cognitive-existential group therapy for patients with primary breast cancer--techniques and themes.

Full Abstract

We describe a model of cognitive-existential group therapy designed to be integrated over 6 months with regimens of adjuvant chemotherapy given as conventional medical treatment to breast cancer patients with stage 1 and 2 disease. Our broad therapy goals are for members to develop a supportive network, work through grief over losses, improve problem solving and develop cognitive strategies to maximise coping, enhance a sense of mastery over life and re-evaluate priorities for the future. Specific group themes include death anxiety, fear of recurrence, living with uncertainty, understanding treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone regimens, the collaborative doctor-patient relationship, body and self image, sexuality, relationships with partner, friends and family, surgical reconstruction, life style effects and future goals. Active coping skills are developed through teaching formal problem solving and cognitive restructuring of automatic negative thoughts. Technical aspects of the therapy are discussed.

Author information

Author/s: Kissane, D W (DW); Bloch, S (S); Miach, P (P); Smith, G C (GC); Seddon, A (A); Keks, N (N);

Affiliation: University of Melbourne Centre for Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psycho-oncology (Psychooncology), published in ENGLAND. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1997-Mar; vol 6 (issue 1) : pp 25-33

Dates: Created 1997/05/21; Completed 1997/05/21; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 9126713, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.