Helpful processes in psychological therapy for patients with primary cancers: A qualitative interview study.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify what patients with primary cancers found helpful in therapy.Method: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with eight patients who had completed a course of psychological therapy within an NHS psychology service for cancer patients. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The participants identified a range of helpful processes in therapy: talking and expressing their feelings to someone outside of the family; forming a relationship with their therapist; normalisation through the therapists' expert knowledge; problem-solving and CBT.Limitations: As with all qualitative studies, the small sample and size and dependence on participant recall limits generalisability of the findings.Implications: The findings of this study are consistent with a pluralistic perspective: that multiple therapeutic processes - aligned to a range of different orientations - can be of value to patients with primary cancers. This supports the provision of a range of therapeutic interventions and strategies for this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]