Description
Book SynopsisThe importance of spiritual well-being and the role of meaning in moderating depression, hopelessness and desire for death in terminally-ill cancer and AIDS patients has been well-supported by research, and has led many palliative clinicians to look beyond the role of antidepressant treatment in this population. Clinicians are focusing on the development of non-pharmacologic interventions that can address issues such as hopelessness, loss of meaning, and spiritual well-being in patients with advanced cancer at the end of life. This effort led to an exploration and analysis of the work of Viktor Frankl and his concepts of logotherapy, or meaning-based psychotherapy. While Frankl''s logotherapy was not designed for the treatment of patients with life-threatening illnesses, his concepts of meaning and spirituality have inspired applications in psychotherapeutic work with advanced cancer patients, many of whom seek guidance and help in dealing with issues of sustaining meaning, hope, and u
Trade ReviewThis is a priceless resource for those working with patients with advanced cancer and other terminal illnesses. It expertly applies scientifically validated existential treatments in an accessible workbook format for busy practicing clinicians... Unlike so much literature on existential psychotherapy with its grand theories, this book shows how to work with dying patients step by step. Readers will be rewarded with a new-found confidence when working with dying patients... 5 stars! * Doody's Notes *
Few would argue with the importance of helping patients sustain a sense of meaning, particularly in the last months of life as they confront death... Well, that's what these little treatment manuals are all about. A carefully developed and structured 8-week psychotherapeutic intervention, for individuals or groups, shown to be of benefit in randomized clinical trials... I was impressed by the potential value of these interventions. In the palliative care setting they could be facilitated by experienced nurses, social workers, counsellors, and pastoral care workers as well as physicians. * IAHPC News *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Treatment Overview ; a. General Guidelines ; b. Intervention Purpose and Goals ; c. Intervention Overview ; d. How to Use the Manual ; 1. Session 1. Concepts & Sources of Meaning: Introductions and Meaning ; 2. Session 2. Cancer & Meaning: Identity Before and After Cancer Diagnosis ; 3. Session 3. Historical Sources of Meaning: Life as Legacy that has been given [past] and Life as Legacy that one lives [present] and gives [future] ; 4. Session 4. Attitudinal Sources of Meaning: Encountering Life's Limitations ; 5. Session 5. Creative Sources of Meaning: 'Creativity, Courage & Responsibility ; 6. Session 6. Experiential Sources of Meaning: Connecting with Life ; 7. Session 7. Transitions: Reflection & Hopes for Future ; References ; Handouts ; Exercises ; Homework
