Photograph as lifeline: facing mortality

Article Abstract:

Photographs can be an important part of the therapeutic process. They are often useful as stimuli for free association or memories that have been otherwise obscured. The use of photographs as a catalyst in therapy has been well-documented, but not their use as an integral part of the ongoing therapeutic process. Insightful patients can use their reactions to photographs to describe aspects of themselves. Through free association, patients can recognize underlying themes, which promotes self-awareness. A 39-year-old woman with breast cancer sought therapy for depression and anxiety. (Although when first seen the woman had recently been given a "clean bill of health", she eventually had a fatal recurrence.) The patient was shown an ambiguous photograph of an abstract pattern early in therapy. The picture elicited a variety of responses from her over time, which helped to reveal some issues to be considered when working with terminally ill patients. Terminally ill patients face ongoing issues of life, while going through the stages of mourning of their impending death. This patient became much more aware of the issues and the stages she was experiencing as result of talking about the photograph. In a shift from using the photograph as a catalyst in therapy, the photograph here became an integral part of ongoing therapy. A detailed analysis of the course of therapy is provided by the author as illustration. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Terminally ill persons, Terminally ill, Photographs

---

Intergenerational transmission of trauma: recent contributions from the literature of family systems approaches to treatment

Article Abstract:

A review of the literature reveals that trauma assessment is finally being given the importance it deserves. However, while the recognition and acknowledgement of trauma has improved, the isolation of trauma victims persists. Family therapy has been identified as an effective way to deal with intergenerational trauma. In cases where reconciliation is not dangerous, therapists can use systems perspectives to develop modes of treatment that facilitate intervention by family members.

Research, Services, Problem families, Dysfunctional families, Psychic trauma, Trauma (Psychology)

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Thyroid function and ultrasonically determined thyroid size in patients receiving long-term lithium treatment
• Abstracts: Multidimensionality and state dependency of alexithymia in recently sober alcoholics. Cognitive functioning and treatment outcome in alcoholics
• Abstracts: Remediation of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Gender, social competence, and symptomatology in schizophrenia: a longitudinal analysis
• Abstracts: Previewing: a preventive strategy that promotes adaptive development. Whatever became of the schizophrenogenic mother?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.