Some Observations on Individual and Marital Therapy with Breast Cancer Patients and Spouses

Abstract

This article describes the rationale and method the authors used to provide traditional psychotherapy to 125 patients with Stage I or II breast cancer and their husbands. The patients' complaints of marital difficulties, loss of functioning, exacerbated emotionality, and reactivation of feelings of victimization were treated in individual, couples, or group therapy. Individual or couples therapy was provided to husbands who were overprotective or withdrawn, with or without depression and anxiety. The authors discuss the outcomes of therapy, the criteria for deciding whether to refer patients and husbands for therapy, and the need for a female or male therapist. They conclude that in addition to interventions involving the important aspects of support and behavior applications, traditional therapy can be used.