Walking through the valley of the shadow of death—The psychotherapy of the head and neck cancer patient expressing suicidal ideations and impulses

• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23517
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03T07:40:12Z
• Authors: Alicja Heyda; Agata Bieleń; Andrzej Wygoda; Krzysztof Składowski
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

The paper aims to show the multilevel and complex cooperation inclusion of psychotherapist leading psychotherapy in medical team at radiotherapy clinical oncology clinic. We illustrate these interventions with case Stan. This 43-year-old firefighter was diagnosed advanced head neck cancer pre-existing mental health problems meeting criteria ICD-10: obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder psychoactive substance abuse. During treatment, suicidal thoughts impulses emerged, triggered hospital by electronic noises feeling entrapment without a way out. situation put patient high risk whole healthcare needed an urgent effective response. agreed stay secured room, where he cared for doctors, nurses, dietitian, psychotherapist. He actively attended daily sessions noticeable engagement. Psychotherapy focused on alleviating posttraumatic OCD. Mindfulness breathwork-based exercises were implemented increase non-judgemental self-awareness regulate over-aroused nervous system. As result, patient's has improved completion treatment possible. Psychotherapy, good therapeutic alliance, attentive teamwork effectively managed his treatment-related symptoms.