About the Book

Psychotherapy and the Treatment of Cancer Patients addresses the need for a more integrated care of cancer patients within hospitals which pays attention to the mental anguish as well as physical distress caused by the disease. This book is based on Lawrence Goldie's own research with cancer patients, which has shown that psychoanalytic psychotherapy together with general medical care can significantly help dying patients cope with the pain and suffering associated with the disease.

Drawing on this research, the book advocates a more holistic approach to the cancer patient and suggests ways in which more expert attention might be provided through awareness, training and resources. The book describes the innovative approach of applying the psychoanalytic psychotherapeutic approach within the hospital context to help individuals cope with cancer. As well as an overview of cancer and the therapeutic approach, topics covered include:

* the impact of cancer on hospital relationships

* cancer in different areas of the body and mind

* ‘mind-bending pain’

* dread and trauma - on being told the truth

* psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the NHS 'general' hospital

* examining group processes in hospital.

Psychotherapy and the Treatment of Cancer Patients challenges the existing orthodoxies about palliative care and points to ways in which the principles and methods of psychoanalysis can be applied successfully to cancer care within the hospital context.