Helpful processes in psychological therapy for patients with primary cancers : a qualitative interview study

Omylinska-Thurston, J; Cooper, M

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify what patients with primary cancers found helpful in therapy. Method: Indepth qualitative interviews were conducted with eight patients who had completed a course of psychological therapy within an NHS psychology service for cancer patients. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The participants identified a range of helpful processes in therapy: talking and expressing their feelings to someone outside of the family; forming a relationship with their therapist; normalisation through the therapists’ expert knowledge; problem-solving and CBT. Limitations: As with all qualitative studies, the small sample and size and dependence on participant recall limits generalisability of the findings. Implications: The findings of this study are consistent with a pluralistic perspective: that multiple therapeutic processes - aligned to a range of different orientations - can be of value to patients with primary cancers. This supports the provision of a range of therapeutic interventions and strategies for this patient group.

Citation

Omylinska-Thurston, J., & Cooper, M. (2014). Helpful processes in psychological therapy for patients with primary cancers : a qualitative interview study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 14(2), 84-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733145.2013.813952

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jul 13, 2013
• Publication Date: Apr 29, 2014
• Deposit Date: Mar 4, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 21, 2020
• Journal: Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
• Print ISSN: 1473-3145
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-1405
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 84-92
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733145.2013.813952
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733145.2013.813952
• Related Public URLs: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17461405