Cancer Therapy

To surpass the traumatic experience of cancer diagnosis and to maintain the patient’s quality of life, the classical medical therapy (surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy)needs to be combined with complementary therapy (psychotherapy, nutrition, exercise, natural treatments). A holistic treatment approaches the improvement of somatic symptoms, standard therapy in Cancer and emotional and spiritual support.

Psychological impact of Cancer may be devastating for patients and may lead to a series of side effects, including: adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety and may generate feelings of fear, anger, guilt and emotional repression. Psychological therapy plays a crucial role in coping with the disease and for recovery.

Psychological aspects of cancer:

1. Mental states fluctuations2. Depressive disorder in Cancer3. Anxiety disorders/Panic attack4. The influence of Stress5. The influence of psychological factors on Cancer6. Management of specific symptoms

Therapy Interventions:

1. Individual Therapy2. Group Therapy3. Behavioral Therapy4. Music Therapy5. Mental Hygiene ( includes simple relaxation techniques to release the stress.

- Breathing exercises- Progressive muscle relaxation- Relaxation through imagination

Psychotherapeutic approach

1. Listening2. Offering emotional support3. Accepting the diagnostic4. Building a positive system of beliefs and expectations5. Encouraging the will to live6. Understanding their own contribution to recovery7. Identifying their inner resources necessary for recovery8. Learning relaxation techniques9. Expressing their feelings and emotions10. The meaning of life (religion, spirituality)

11. The meaning of disease and its benefits (which needs are satisfied by the disease)12. Self image13. Coping mechanisms14. Setting objectives and goals for the future15. Understanding the psychological, social, behavioral, ethical and spiritual dimensions

of cancer16. Encouraging healing oriented-mental states