Young women with breast burns: a self-help "group by mail"

The patient with facial and hand scars that show clearly is forced to deal with his or her disfigurement, to grieve the loss, and to adapt to the new image. Patients who have body scars that are hidden by clothes and who fear exposure may never deal with the reality of their damaged selves and thus suffer from low self-esteem and accompanying depression and anxiety. Young adolescent women in particular are concerned about a pleasing appearance as they deal with fears about dating and sexual relationships. It is particularly difficult for them to be open and seek counsel on this subject. This article demonstrates a need for the burn unit therapist to be creative in providing psychotherapeutic intervention for the patient with hidden scars, especially the young woman with breast scars. It also shows that group therapy can play an important role in providing this necessary support.