Psychotherapy and neuroscience: Dreams storytelling, a psychological support for young cancer patients

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Laura Veneroni, Cesare Albasi, Marta Podda, Andrea Ferrari, Maura Massimino, Carlo Alfredo Clerici
Publishing Year 2017 Issue 2017/2 Language Italian
Pages 18 P. 131-148 File size 1772 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2017-002008
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Advances in the treatment of neoplastic diseases have been substantial, in the last decades, and have brought to the forefront patients’ psychological experiences and quality of life. Neoplastic diseases, during childhood - a critical stage in identity, autonomy and relational development - threaten a child’s capacity to adapt. Thus, treatment, in this age group, represents a key moment for studying a young person’s capacity to adapt to severe and stressful events and also to observe the effectiveness of early psychological support. The Authors describe the role of dreams in psychological counseling, or psychotherapy, for young cancer patients and their families. Dreams, in this setting, are examined using a narrative approach, not an interpretative perspective. Dreams and fantasies help the patient to bring to light fears and concerns, often difficult to express.

Keywords: Oncology, psychological support, hospital psychology, trauma, cancer, pediatric oncology

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Laura Veneroni, Cesare Albasi, Marta Podda, Andrea Ferrari, Maura Massimino, Carlo Alfredo Clerici, Tra psicoterapia e neuroscienze: il racconto dei sogni nel lavoro di supporto psicologico dei pazienti affetti da neoplasie dell’età pediatrica in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 2/2017, pp 131-148, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2017-002008