The use of psychotherapy with dying patients: an exploratory study

A group of terminally ill patients received six sessions of psychotherapy. A second group of six patients served as nontreated controls. At the conclusion of the treatment sessions, psychotherapy patients reported a significantly greater increase in death-related anxiety and in their perceived purpose in life than did the nontreated group. Clinical impressions indicated that patients who participated in psychotherapy perceived their treatment experience positively and appreciated the opportunity to explore their feelings about imminent death. These results offer considerable support for the usefulness of psychotherapy to help such patients cope with the emotional stress generated by their limited life expectancy.