Psychotherapy of the otolaryngology patient

Psychotherapy is an essential skill in the treatment of the medically ill patient. It represents to a significant extent the manner in which we understand and intervene in the patient's efforts to cope with overwhelming loss and grief. Psychotherapy of the Otolaryngology patient is especially challenging because of the substantial impediments to communication in this population. This paper will review some of the special issues that apply to many medically or surgically ill individuals but which are almost universal to the Otolaryngology patients. In particular the special topics of "Body Image" including disfigurement and cosmetic surgery, and "The Role of Verbalization" will be discussed. Consideration is also given to the special topic of countertransference which is also encountered in psychotherapy in reaction to these patients.