8 Effective Therapy Approaches Chicago Psychiatrists Use to Support Cancer Patients
A cancer diagnosis comes with its own suite of physical limitations, but also enormous emotional and psychological pain. Feelings of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty can wear a patient out completely.
Thankfully, therapy makes it less overwhelming for individuals to deal with. Numerous psychiatrists in Chicago specialize in treating cancer patients with approaches that bolster mental fortitude, alleviate stress, and enhance quality of life.
The following are eight of the most popular therapy methods aimed at helping cancer patients.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is perhaps the most common method used to assist cancer patients in changing and eliminating self-defeating thought patterns. This therapy teaches patients methods on how to cope with their emotions, including management of fear, anxiety, and depression, so they can take charge of how they feel.
2. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR combines meditation, breathing, and mindfulness to ensure patients stay relaxed and stress-free. By focusing on the present moment, cancer patients can enhance their emotional well-being and prevent future anxiety.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT empowers patients to accept negative emotions instead of battling with them. With these, patients are able to gain psychological flexibility, which allows them to stay focused on their goals—no matter how difficult it might seem with a cancer diagnosis.
4. Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET)
SET enables cancer patients to ventilate their feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. This therapy helps in establishing appropriate expression of feelings and communication that promotes debriefing and release of feelings that contribute to loneliness and discomfort.
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5. Psychoeducation and Stress Management
Education regarding the psychological consequences of cancer helps both the patient and the family to understand the different emotions with possible coping mechanisms. Stress-coping strategies that include guided relaxation and biofeedback help strengthen emotional coping.
6. Medication-Assisted Therapy
For patients with excessive depression or anxiety, psychiatrists are likely to incorporate medication along with therapy. During the course of treatment and healing, patients can be helped with antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or sleep medications, which allows for ease.
7. Art and Music Therapy
Creative therapies like painting, drawing crafts, and music help patients to get rid of emotions and thoughts concerning their conditions. Taking part in such creative activities can lead to stress relief, improved mood and feelings, and relaxation.
8. Family and Couples Therapy
A patient with cancer is not the only one who needs care and attention. Their relatives and family also need to give their attention to them. Family and couples therapy fosters communication amongst the loved ones to support each other throughout treatment and strengthen their bond.
Conclusion
Just like physical health, mental health is equally important when one is dealing with cancer. Employing these therapeutic techniques enables patients to increase positive coping strategies, minimize negative emotions, and improve their health.
Getting help from trained specialists gives the necessary psychological attention to the patients and their family members during this difficult period of their lives.