Helpful factors of therapy with families/carers of individuals affected by cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify what family members and/or carers of individuals affected by cancer found helpful in therapy.Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals who had completed psychological therapy within a charitable organisation for people affected by cancer. The data collected were thematically analysed.Participants reported a range of helpful processes in therapy: talking and being open with someone outside of the family; building a trusting and safe relationship with a non-judgemental therapist who listened; normalisation of their experience as the therapist had specialised knowledge; being supported and strengthening their resources to cope with overwhelming and distressing feelings.These findings suggest that the unique perspectives of carers and/or family members can increase our understanding of the helpful processes of individual psychotherapy in cancer care settings and improve our delivery of services to this client population.