WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA CANCER- Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.The primary cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Cancer- post is the first of the guest post of LoveandHeal Blog.
The Author/Guest Blogger of the post is Melanie Bowen from Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
The first type of psychotherapy generally used in these circumstances is individual sessions. In this mode, the patient alone visits with the psychotherapist, who may focus on a variety of concerns. Two of the most common stressors during cancer treatment are depression and anxiety. Depression often occurs along with the diagnosis as the patient attempts to cope with the actual and potential changes in his life and as he thinks of the future. Anxiety is also quite common as many parts of cancer diagnoses and treatments are uncertain.
Mesothelioma Cancer- post is the first of the guest post of LoveandHeal Blog.
The Author/Guest Blogger of the post is Melanie Bowen from Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
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| Melanie Bowen- Guest Blogger |
Types and Benefits of Psychotherapy during
Cancer Treatment
Psychotherapy is recognized as an adjunct treatment for cancer. Although it is certainly not a cure and should never be used as a sole treatment source, it has shown in multiple studies to have greatly beneficial effects on patients undergoing cancer treatments. Different types of psychotherapy can offer a wide range of potential benefits to the patient and his family members.
Psychotherapy is recognized as an adjunct treatment for cancer. Although it is certainly not a cure and should never be used as a sole treatment source, it has shown in multiple studies to have greatly beneficial effects on patients undergoing cancer treatments. Different types of psychotherapy can offer a wide range of potential benefits to the patient and his family members.
The first type of psychotherapy generally used in these circumstances is individual sessions. In this mode, the patient alone visits with the psychotherapist, who may focus on a variety of concerns. Two of the most common stressors during cancer treatment are depression and anxiety. Depression often occurs along with the diagnosis as the patient attempts to cope with the actual and potential changes in his life and as he thinks of the future. Anxiety is also quite common as many parts of cancer diagnoses and treatments are uncertain.
The National Cancer
Institute states that, anxiety
has many negative effects including increased pain and an increased chance of
delaying treatment. Some individuals may also struggle with a fear of
particular treatments including needles or larger diagnostic modalities such as
body scanning equipment. A licensed psychotherapist will be able to discuss
these concerns with the patient, look at his personality and his past and offer
constructive, helpful solutions.
Family therapy is another useful treatment type. It is often employed as an assistant to individual therapy. In this setting, the patient, as well as his close family members or support people, will come together to meet with the psychotherapist. This treatment is beneficial since many family members struggle with various aspects of cancer. They may also have trouble accepting the diagnosis or clearly seeing the changes that they will need to make. They may feel that they have lost their family member, as they once knew them. Discussing these concerns with a psychotherapist can greatly decrease anxiety and denial among families.
Finally, group therapy is a chance for the patient to meet with a psychotherapist along with a group of patients in similar situations to his. The people in his group may be at various stages in the cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission process and as such may be able to offer valuable answers and support. The psychotherapist will guide discussion among participants and will offer helpful coping methods of his own. Often, group participants will form important relationships among each other that will last for months and even years. The therapy group may even become like a family to each other. Group sessions can occur weekly or less often for as long as the patient needs to attend.
Psychotherapy, while not providing a cure for cancers such as breast cancer or mesothelioma treatment, can provide a wonderful and powerful adjunct to traditional treatments. The type of psychotherapy chosen depends on the patient and on the availability of options. However, any one of these types can provide the answers to important questions and concerns that the cancer patient may have.
Family therapy is another useful treatment type. It is often employed as an assistant to individual therapy. In this setting, the patient, as well as his close family members or support people, will come together to meet with the psychotherapist. This treatment is beneficial since many family members struggle with various aspects of cancer. They may also have trouble accepting the diagnosis or clearly seeing the changes that they will need to make. They may feel that they have lost their family member, as they once knew them. Discussing these concerns with a psychotherapist can greatly decrease anxiety and denial among families.
Finally, group therapy is a chance for the patient to meet with a psychotherapist along with a group of patients in similar situations to his. The people in his group may be at various stages in the cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission process and as such may be able to offer valuable answers and support. The psychotherapist will guide discussion among participants and will offer helpful coping methods of his own. Often, group participants will form important relationships among each other that will last for months and even years. The therapy group may even become like a family to each other. Group sessions can occur weekly or less often for as long as the patient needs to attend.
Psychotherapy, while not providing a cure for cancers such as breast cancer or mesothelioma treatment, can provide a wonderful and powerful adjunct to traditional treatments. The type of psychotherapy chosen depends on the patient and on the availability of options. However, any one of these types can provide the answers to important questions and concerns that the cancer patient may have.
If there is a chance to
bring your mind some clarity amidst a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs
throughout your cancer recovery; why not jump on all therapy has to offer?
Allow yourself to let in positivity and talk to someone who not only cares but
can truly help.
About the author-
Melanie Bowen joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure
initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of
alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed
with cancer or other serious illness. She also assists in social media outreach in her efforts to spread awareness.
Psychotherapy is a general term referring to therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a patient. Psychotherapy may also be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical or psychiatric social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, play therapy, music therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychoanalysis and those from other psychotherapies. It's good to see psychotherapy helping in treatment of cancer.
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