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Cognitive‐Existential Group Therapy for Patients with Primary Breast Cancer — Techniques and Themes
Author(s) -
Kissane David W.,
Bloch Sidney,
Miach Patricia,
Smith Graeme C.,
Seddon Ann,
Keks Nicholas
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1611(199703)6:1<25::aid-pon240>3.0.co;2-n
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , cognitive restructuring , breast cancer , anxiety , psychotherapist , cognition , group psychotherapy , existentialism , grief , psychology , human sexuality , cognitive reframing , clinical psychology , medicine , cancer , psychiatry , philosophy , epistemology , gender studies , sociology
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. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.