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cognitive behavioural therapy

Samantha1994
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Hi,

Have any of you tried CBT at all to help you cope with feelings or managing emotions? 

My mum seems to have some really bad days (she has secondary breast cancer) and on her treatment days she crys all day long. 

Desperate to try anything that will help her, just wondered if anybody had any views on CBT in particular? 

Thanks

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    Hi Samantha,

    I've not had any direct experience of CBT but it has to be worth a try. It is a highly effective form of therapy with a good evidence base.

    Ideally all cancer patients would be offered Mental Health support and CBT in particular as part of a holistic package of care to help us cope with the psychological impact but that rarely seems to happen.

     

    Best wishes
    Dave

     

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    Hi Samantha, I would not recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for someone who has terminal cancer. I would suggest you get a referral from her treatment team for a therapist who is experienced in treating cancer patients. Those of us with cancer don't need to change our behaviour! What we need more than anything is to have someone listen to us and gain some understanding for what we're facing every day. We all know that no one lives forever, but with a cancer diagnosis, we know our days are numbered; we face imminent death every day. We need someone with the tenacity to hear us out, listen to our fears, and allow us to express them in a safe environment without cutting us off because of their own fears of death. I hope this response will help you to choose an appropriate therapist for your Mom. Good luck and please come back on here to let us know how you get along with this.

    Thank you for being a support for your Mom. Sending you and her big hugs.

    Lorraine 

  • Offline in reply to LorraineD

     

    Hi Lorraine and Samantha,

    CBT isn't necessarily about changing our behaviour but understanding why we feel, think or react the way we do. Not far from the things Loreaine rightly said we need. 

    In the UK, CBT is often described as  Talking Therapy and is used to help people come to terms with physical health conditions. www.nhs.uk/.../Introduction.asps

    The main thing is to try and get the help needed - whatever label attached to it :-)

    Cheers

    Dave

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