Psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches in oncology: Valorization and strengthening of the person

This paper arose from the importance of psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches in improving cancer patients' quality of life and the results of treatment. A concise yet thorough review of the relevant literature, together with the theoretical models, and the effects reported in studies and meta-analyses was conducted, with particular reference to efficacy testing. On these bases, we here present the outlines for a clinical interview aimed to increase awareness and transformative learning. This interview, which can be carried out with the patient and his/her family, is intended to strengthen the person's values and ethics and to make him/her aware of the possibilities of action, even in situations of extreme suffering. This scheme, already successfully tested on a small sample of patients and family members, can be applied within compatible theoretical models. The results are presented here of a study carried out on psychological and medical staff already working or in training which can also be extended to other professional groups involved in the care process. The study was based on reflection, consolidation, and internalization of writings on severe crisis situations by eminent authors, and therefore particularly significant in terms of ethics, values, and the construction of the self and the world.