Psychotherapeutic interventions

Abstract

Psychotherapy is an integrative and integrated part of modern patient/relation-centered care in the advanced and terminal phases of physical illness. Psychiatric disorders (e.g. depressive spectrum, stress-related, and anxiety disorders), other clinically significant psychosocial conditions (e.g. demoralization, existential pain) and interpersonal, psychological, and spiritual needs have to be addressed by psychological intervention. Supportive-Expressive Group Psychotherapy (SEGT), Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCT), Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully Therapy (CALM), cognitive-existential therapy, dignity therapy (DT) and other psychotherapeutic interventions have been developed over the last 40 years. These treatments have proved to be effective in increasing the patients’ sense of dignity, purpose, and meaning, and to reduce demoralization, anxiety, and existential distress at the end of life. Also Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) and grief therapy have shown to be effective in overcoming anxiety, depression, and complicated grief symptoms both before and after loss. Psychotherapy should thus be considered a mandatory ingredient of palliative care.