Open AccessThe Experience of Psychotherapy in Greek Women with Breast Cancer: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study
Author(s) -
Philia Issari,
Skopelitou Eirini,
Skourteli Marina
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of psychiatry research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2641-4317
DOI - 10.33425/2641-4317.1114
Subject(s) - psychotherapist , interpretative phenomenological analysis , psychology , psychological intervention , superordinate goals , qualitative research , context (archaeology) , breast cancer , psychodynamics , experiential learning , clinical psychology , cancer , medicine , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , paleontology , mathematics education , sociology , biology
Βreast cancer is amongst the most frequently occurring types of cancer amongst women worldwide. The present qualitative study explored experiences of long-term psychotherapy among women with breast cancer attending psychodynamic psychotherapy at an outpatient service specializing at providing psychotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients, in Greece. The sample was purposeful and comprised of six women who participated in individual interviews, consisting of questions framed in an open way to explore their lived experiences in the context of therapy. The research data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and produced five group experiential themes (superordinate themes) namely 1) the experience of breast cancer 2) psychosomatic aspects of cancer 3) psychotherapy as a process of self-awareness and growth 4) the process of change and 5) the therapist-client relationship. Participant women seemed to experience psychotherapy as a positive, even though challenging journey, that integrated past, present and future promoting post-illness and post-recovery well-being, and allowing for the exploration of different needs that surpass the event of the disease itself. Given the complex experiences and different needs of women with cancer, it seems important for further qualitative research to explore the experiences of patients in psychotherapy in different cultural contexts, and taking into account different theoretical orientations in order to offer appropriate therapeutic interventions.