Psycho-oncological therapy is a specialized psychological intervention modality that aims to provide emotional support and improve the quality of life of people who are facing a cancer diagnosis or who are undergoing cancer treatment. This form of therapy combines principles of clinical psychology with specific knowledge about the disease and its implications both physically and psychologically.
Importance of Psycho-oncological Therapy
The diagnosis of cancer usually has a strong emotional impact on people's lives, generating fear, anxiety, sadness and other intense feelings. In addition to the physical challenges of the disease itself, the psychological burden can be overwhelming for both the patient and their loved ones. In this context, psycho-oncological therapy becomes essential to comprehensively address the emotional and psychological needs of people affected by cancer.
Objectives of Psycho-oncological Therapy
The objectives of psycho-oncological therapy are diverse and adapt to the specific needs of each patient. Some of the main objectives of this form of therapy are:
- Emotional support: Providing a safe space for people to express their emotions, fears and concerns related to the disease.
- Stress management: Help develop strategies to cope with the stress and anxiety associated with cancer and its treatment.
- Improvement quality of life:Work together to improve the patient's quality of life, taking into account both their physical and emotional needs.
- Adaptation to diagnosis: Facilitate the process of adaptation to the diagnosis of cancer and the changes it implies in the person's life.
- Support in decision making: Provide support for making decisions related to treatment and palliative care, taking into account the patient's preferences and values.
Benefits of Psycho-oncological Therapy
Psycho-oncological therapy provides a series of benefits to both emotional and physical level, which can significantly improve the patient's experience during their oncological process. Some of the most notable benefits are:
- Reduction of anxiety and depression: Psycho-oncological therapy helps manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing tools to cope these emotional states.
- Improved communication: Promotes open and sincere communication between the patient, his family and the medical team, which can facilitate decision-making and expression of needs.
- Strengthening resilience: Promotes emotional resilience, helping the patient to adaptively face the challenges that arise throughout treatment.
- Management of physical symptoms: Psycho-oncological therapy can contribute to the management of physical symptoms such as pain, nausea or fatigue, through relaxation and stress control techniques.
- Support in decision making: Helps the patient make informed decisions about their treatment, respecting their personal preferences and values.
- Increased quality of life:By addressing the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient, it contributes to improving their well-being and quality of life in general.
Approach to Psycho-Oncological Therapy h2>
Psycho-oncological therapy is based on a comprehensive approach that takes into account both the emotional and physical aspects of the disease. To do this, it is supported by various psychotherapeutic strategies and techniques adapted to the needs of each patient. Some of the common approaches in psycho-oncology therapy include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most widely used approaches in psycho-oncology therapy. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional symptoms in the patient. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, we seek to promote a more adaptive vision of the disease and develop strategies to face the emotional impact of cancer.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
The Acceptance and commitment therapy is another therapeutic modality used in the context of oncology. This therapy focuses on helping the patient accept negative emotions and thoughts related to the illness, without fighting them, and committing to actions that are aligned with their values and life goals. Acceptance and commitment therapy can be especially useful to work on acceptance of the diagnosis, uncertainty and grief in the face of the illness.
Supportive therapy
Supportive therapy in the context Psycho-oncology provides a space for emotional support and support during the cancer treatment process. It focuses on facilitating the expression of emotions, reflecting on one's own experience and strengthening the patient's support network. Supportive therapy helps the patient feel listened to, understood and validated in their emotions, thus promoting psychological well-being.
How to access Psychooncological Therapy?
Psycho-oncological therapy can be accessible in different health care settings, both in hospitals and in centers specialized in psycho-oncology. Some ways to access this type of therapy are:
- Medical referral: In many cases, the health professionals who care for the cancer patient themselves can recommend the consultation. with a psychologist specialized in psycho-oncology therapy.
- Psycho-oncology centers: In some cities there are centers specialized in psycho-oncology that offer specific services for cancer patients and their families. These centers usually have psychologists and therapists specialized in this area.
- Oncology support programs: Some medical institutions and non-profit organizations offer psychological support programs for cancer patients, which may include individual, group or family therapy.
- Telepsychology: Currently, many psychological therapies are offered online through telepsychology platforms, which facilitates access to psycho-oncological therapy from any place with an internet connection.
Conclusions
Psycho-oncological therapy is a fundamental tool in the comprehensive treatment of people facing a diagnosis of cancer. Through this therapeutic approach, emotional support is provided, adaptation to the diagnosis is encouraged, informed decision-making is promoted, and the patient's quality of life is improved during their oncological process. The benefits of psycho-oncological therapy are multiple and range from reducing anxiety and depression to strengthening resilience and emotional well-being.
Accessing psycho-oncological therapy can be key to coping more effectively. healthy and adaptive cancer experience, contributing to the patient's comprehensive well-being and promoting their quality of life throughout treatment and recovery.