Supportive-Expressive Therapy for Cancer Patients – A Review

Abstract

Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET) is a psychotherapeutic intervention tailored to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. Cancer patients face various emotional challenges that affect their mental well-being, and this therapy is grounded in the idea that patients need to feel safe in order to express their feelings. This review paper examines how Supportive-Expressive Therapy effectively improves the psychological wellbeing of persons diagnosed with cancer. Clinical studies have established that SET is capable of alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting positive mood, and boosting the overall psychological well-being of the patient. Such positive psychological states have been proven to significantly help patients cope with the challenges of cancer treatment and disease prognosis. SET addresses the intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of the cancer experience. In conclusion, the role of Supportive-Expressive Therapy in treating the whole patient cannot be overemphasized: the therapy encourages emotional healing, creates social connectedness, and helps patients cope with the complex emotional issues associated with the disease. The emotional component of the therapy enhances the patient's quality of life, underscoring its importance in psychosocial oncology.