Supporting cancer patients and their carers: the contribution of art therapy and clinical psychology.

The value of various types of psychosocial support for people with cancer is now becoming well established. Typically the term 'psychosocial' includes: counselling and psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, education and information, and social support. The research literature sometimes fails to clarify the exact nature of the different approaches and their relative efficacy.

Supporting cancer patients and their carers: the contribution of art therapy and clinical psychology.

The value of various types of psychosocial support for people with cancer is now becoming well established. Typically the term 'psychosocial' includes: counselling and psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, education and information, and social support. The research literature sometimes fails to clarify the exact nature of the different approaches and their relative efficacy.

Complementary and psychological therapies in a rural hospital setting.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2004) in the UK has led the way in recognising the need for a holistic approach to the support and care of people with cancer, with the publication of Guidance on Cancer Services: Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer. This article describes a three-year project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund through Macmillan Cancer Support. The project is being implemented by an art therapist, clinical psychologist, complementary therapist and administrator together with the existing team of three Macmillan nurses, an art therapist and two Macmillan occupational therapists.