A randomized clinical trial: Efficacy of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy program for breast cancer patients with high fear of progression.

BACKGROUND: Fear of progression (FOP) is a common and significant concern among cancer patients, encompassing worries about cancer progression during active treatment. Elevated levels of FOP can be dysfunctional. This study aims to assess the efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based intervention on FOP, anxiety sensitivity (AS), and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted involving 80 stage I-III active-treatment breast cancer patients with a score greater than 34 on the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form scale. These patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group, which received weekly 70-min sessions of 5-ACT-bsed group-therapy, or a control group that received usual treatment. Variables including FOP, AS, QOL, and ACT-related factors were assessed using ASQ, QLQ-C30, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The efficacy of the intervention was evaluated using mixed model analysis across all time-points. RESULTS: The fidelity and acceptability of the ACT-based manual were confirmed using significant methods. A significant reduction in FOP was observed only in the ACT group at post-intervention (P-valueACT < 0.001; Cohen dACT = 1.099). Furthermore, the ACT group demonstrated a more significant reduction in FOP at follow-up. Furthermore, all secondary and ACT-related variables, except for the physical symptoms subscale, showed significant improvement in the ACT group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our ACT-based manual showed promise for reducing FOP, AS, and improving QOL, and ACT-related variables in breast cancer patients 3 months following the intervention.

Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effects of an online group psychotherapy intervention for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15-29 years) diagnosed with cancer are increasingly recognized as an oncology population with distinct psychosocial needs. However, few specialized psychosocial interventions for AYAs currently exist. This study reports on the development of a novel group-based psychotherapy intervention to address the psychosocial needs of AYAs. The objective was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of the intervention. METHODS: The manualized group psychotherapy program is delivered virtually over an 8-week period by registered psychologists. Four groups (n = 5-11 AYAs per group) with a total of N = 33 participants (Mage = 20.97 years, SD = 3.68, range = 15-29 years, 76% women) were conducted. Recruitment and retention data assessed intervention feasibility. Patient-reported psychosocial outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately following the intervention to assess preliminary effects. Acceptability was assessed following the intervention using a self-report measure of participant satisfaction. RESULTS: Overall, the completion rate of the intervention was 85% (n = 28). All participants "strongly agreed" (88%) or "agreed" (13%) that they were satisfied with the group. Meeting, sharing experiences, and expressing feelings with other AYAs were identified as the most helpful aspects. Participants reported significant improvements in emotional (p < 0.05) and functional (p < 0.01) quality of life from baseline to immediately post-intervention with medium effect sizes (d = 0.58-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the intervention is feasible, acceptable, and shows promise for improving psychosocial outcomes for AYAs. Further research will refine the intervention and establish efficacy in a randomized trial.

The Effect of Spiritual Group Therapy on the Quality of Life and Empowerment of Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Iran.

This randomized clinical trial was carried out on 74 women with breast cancer between May 2015 and April 2016 in the south of Iran. The patients were selected using a simple sampling method and randomly divided into an intervention (n = 30) and a control (n = 37) group. Five spiritual therapy sessions were conducted for the intervention group. Each session lasted one hour. The quality of life and empowerment of the patients were measured before and one month after the intervention. To collect data, four instruments were used, including a demographic information form, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire Cancer-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30), EORTC QLQ Breast-23 (EORTC QLQ-BR23), and the Cancer Empowerment Questionnaire (CEQ). After the intervention, a difference was observed between the groups concerning the mean score of general health (P = 0.016) and emotional function (P = 0.029), but there was no significant difference between the groups concerning the mean score of empowerment (P = 0.62). Thus, it appears that spiritual group therapy can improve the quality of life of this group of patients.IRCT registration number: IRCT 2014050417546N2.

A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Sexual difficulties and vaginal pain are common following treatment for breast cancer. AIM: The goal of this study was to evaluate an online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs an online supportive sex education group therapy to address these sexual difficulties. METHODS: Breast cancer survivors (n = 118) were randomized to 1 of the 2 arms; 116 provided informed consent and completed the time 1 assessment. Treatment included 8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions. Those randomized to the mindfulness group completed daily mindfulness exercises, and those in the comparison arm read and completed exercises pertaining to sex education. OUTCOMES: Assessments were repeated at posttreatment and 6 months after the completion of the group. RESULTS: There was a main effect of treatment on primary endpoints of sexual desire, sexual distress, and vaginal pain, with all outcomes showing significant improvements, with no differential impact by treatment arm. Secondary endpoints of interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex also significantly improved with both treatments, with no group-by-time interaction. CONCLUSION: Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education delivered in group format online are effective for improving many facets of sexual function, vaginal pain, rumination, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness in breast cancer survivors. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: We used a randomized methodology. Future studies should seek to diversify participants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the need to offer similar treatments to more breast cancer survivors immediately after and in the years following cancer treatment as a means of improving survivorship quality of life.

Psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common in patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment adherence and reduced quality of life. Antidepressants and psychotherapy have limited success in improving depression among patients with cancer. This study explored the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder. METHODS: This phase 2, open-label trial enrolled patients with curable and noncurable cancer and major depressive disorder at a single community oncology practice site. A single 25-mg dose of psilocybin was administered simultaneously to cohorts of three to four participants with individual (4.25 hours in 1:1 therapist-to-patient ratio) and group therapeutic support (3.75 hours) before, during, and after psilocybin administration. Outcomes included depression severity, anxiety, pain, demoralization, and disability. RESULTS: Thirty participants completed the study. No psilocybin-related serious adverse events occurred; treatment-related adverse events (e.g., nausea, headache) were generally mild and expected. There were no laboratory or electrocardiogram abnormalities. No suicidality was reported. Efficacy was suggested with a robust reduction in depression severity scores from baseline to posttreatment of 19.1 points (95% CI, 22.3 to -16.0; p < .0001) by week 8. Eighty percent of participants demonstrated a sustained response to psilocybin treatment; 50% showed full remission of depressive symptoms at week 1, which was sustained for 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Psilocybin-assisted therapy in group cohort administration was safe and feasible in patients with cancer and depression. Efficacy was suggested based on clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms. The novel, group-oriented format, compact delivery time, community cancer center setting, and one-to-one therapist-to-patient ratio could also add to therapeutic gains and efficiency of administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04593563. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Depression is common in patients with cancer and associated with lower treatment adherence, reduced quality of life, and limited response to antidepressants and psychotherapy. We conducted a phase 2 trial to study a single dose of psilocybin administered in a group therapy setting with one-to-one therapist-to-participant psychological support to patients with curable and noncurable cancer and major depressive disorder. Findings of the study showed safety (no treatment-related serious adverse events or suicidality) with psilocybin and suggested efficacy, with a significant reduction in depression severity scores from baseline to posttreatment. Further investigation is warranted.

Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder: Qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention. METHODS: Guided by the conceptual framework of acceptability, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with participants of the psilocybin trial. Data were analyzed using template and thematic analyses. RESULTS: Participants' (n = 28) perspectives on the acceptability of the group and simultaneous sessions was generally positive, both in terms of safety and efficacy: first, the groups contributed to increase participants' sense of safety and preparedness as they were engaging in the therapy; and second, the groups fostered a sense of connection and of belonging, which served to enrich and deepen the meaning of participants' experience, ultimately opening a dimension of self-transcendence and compassion. Other subthemes related to factors influencing the acceptability of the group approach included: 1) the importance of the therapeutic framework, 2) the complementary value of individual sessions, 3) disruptive factors related to the group and/or simultaneous setting, and 4) opportunities and challenges related to group size and how to structure interactions. CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances understanding of what promotes acceptability of the psilocybin-assisted therapy group model for the treatment of MDD in cancer patients. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We conducted exit interviews with participants of a phase 2 trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) conducted in a community cancer center, to assess the acceptability of a novel psilocybin delivery model combining simultaneous individual therapy and group sessions. Our findings support the acceptability of this intervention and suggest that in addition to being feasible, it might also enhance participants' perceived safety and efficacy compared to uniquely individual or group delivery models of PAT. Our analysis highlights critical factors conditioning acceptability and suggests new ways PAT may be scaled and integrated into cancer care.

Transferência e contratransferência: os efeitos clínicos do observador no trabalho em grupos terapêuticos / Transference and countertransference: the observer's clinical effects in therapeutic groups / Transfert et contre-transfert: les effets cliniques de l'observateur dans les groupes thérapeutiques / Transferencia y contratransferencia: los efectos clínicos del observador en el trabajo con grupos terapéuticos

O propósito deste artigo é refletir sobre os conceitos de transferência e contratransferência, articulando-os com a dimensão clínica do lugar do observador no trabalho em grupos terapêuticos. Inicialmente, será feito um percurso histórico sobre tais conceitos na psicanálise. Posteriormente, a noção de transferência será discutida como um vínculo que pode se manifestar pela via da expressão corporal e sensorialidade, enquanto a contratransferência será analisada a partir do campo da intersubjetividade. Esses aspectos serão ilustrados por duas vinhetas clínicas

This paper reflects on the concepts of transference and countertransference in articulation with the clinical dimension of the observer's place in therapeutic groups. After a brief historical overview of these concepts in psychoanalysis, the notion of transference is discussed as a link that can manifest itself via bodily and sensorially. Countertransference, in turn, will be analyzed based on intersubjectivity. These aspects will be illustrated by two clinical vignettes

Cet article reflète aux concepts de transfert et de contre-transfert en articulation avec la dimension clinique de la place de l'observateur dans les groupes thérapeutiques. D'après un aperçu historique de ces concepts en psychanalyse, on discute la notion de transfert en tant que lien qui peut se manifester par l'expression corporelle et la sensorialité. Le contre-transfert, à son tour, sera analysé à partir du domaine de l'intersubjectivité. Ces aspects seront illustrés par deux vignettes cliniques

El propósito de este artículo es reflexionar sobre los conceptos de transferencia y contratransferencia articulándolos con la dimensión clínica del lugar del observador en el trabajo con grupos terapéuticos. Inicialmente, se hará un recorrido histórico sobre tales conceptos en el psicoanálisis. Posteriormente, la noción de transferencia será discutida como vínculo que puede manifestarse por la expresión corporal y la sensorialidad, mientras que la contratransferencia será analizada a partir del campo de la intersubjetividad. Estos aspectos serán ilustrados por dos viñetas clínicas

A experiência de atendimento de um grupo terapêutico durante a graduação: a obstaculização pelo pacto denegativo / La experiencia de asistir a un grupo terapéutico durante la graduación: el obstáculo causado por el pacto negativo / The experience of attending a therapeutic group during graduation: the obstacle caused by the negative pact

Grupos psicoterapêuticos encontram crescente receptividade nos serviços públicos e privados de saúde. Eles conjugam a expansão da capacidade de atendimento com atuação clínica crítica e propositiva frente ao individualismo da sociedade contemporânea. É importante assim pensarmos os desafios da formação dos psicólogos para este trabalho. Este artigo parte de uma dificuldade encontrada por estagiários de 4° e 5° ano do curso de psicologia, na condução de um grupo psicoterapêutico. Coloca-se como objetivo analisar a relação entre um pacto denegativo que obstaculiza o processo terapêutico com as experiências iniciais de atendimento dos estagiários. Aspectos vivenciados serão apresentados e debatidos à luz da teoria. Descreve-se a existência de um pacto denegativo neste grupo, que se opõe ao processo terapêutico dos pacientes e complexifica o desenvolvimento dos estagiários ao desafiar a confiança em suas percepções e associações, dificultando a realização de intervenções. Conclui-se que o pacto denegativo que obstaculiza o grupo se apresenta, a princípio, como um desafio aos estagiários, porém, mediante o apoio na relação entre os estagiários e supervisão é possível transformar este desafio em fonte de aprendizado.

Grupos psicoterapéuticos son cada vez más recibidos en los servicios de salud. Combinan la expansión de la capacidad de servicio con una acción clínica crítica y decidida frente al individualismo de la sociedad contemporánea. Es importante pensar en los desafíos de formar psicólogos para este trabajo. Este artículo se basa en una dificultad que enfrentan los pasantes de 4° y 5° año de psicología al momento de conducir un grupo psicoterapéutico. El objetivo es analizar la relación entre un pacto negativo que obstruye el proceso terapéutico y las experiencias de cuidado de los internos. Se debatirán experiencias y la teoría. Se describe la existencia de un pacto negativo, que se opone al proceso terapéutico de los pacientes e intensifica el desafío de los alumnos al desafiar la confianza en sus percepciones y asociaciones, lo que dificulta la realización de intervenciones. Se concluye que el pacto negativo que obstaculiza al grupo se presenta, en un primer momento, como un reto para los aprendices, sin embargo, a través del apoyo en la relación entre los aprendices y la supervisión es posible transformar este reto en una fuente de aprendizaje.

Psychotherapeutic groups are increasingly employed in health services. They combine the expansion of the service capacity with critical and purposeful clinical action in face of the individualism of contemporary society. It is important to think about the challenges of training psychologists for this work. This article is based on a difficulty encountered by 4th and 5th year psychology students, acting as trainees, when conducting a psychotherapeutic group. The objective is to analyze the relationship between a denegative pact that obstructs the therapeutic process and the trainees' initial clinical experience. This text debates aspects of this practice in light of theory. It describes a denegative pact in this group, which opposes the patients' therapeutic process and intensifies the trainees' challenge by challenging the trust in their perceptions and associations, making it more difficult for them to find spaces to intervene. It concludes that the negative pact that hinders the group presents itself, in principle, as a challenge to the trainees, however, through support in the relationship between the trainees and supervision it is possible to transform this challenge into a source of learning.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine combined group psychotherapy on psychological distress management and gut micro-biome regulation for colorectal cancer survivors: a single-arm phase I clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined group psychotherapy intervention on psychological distress management and gut micro-biome regulation for colorectal (CRC) survivors. METHODS: A single-arm phase I clinical trial was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021 in Xiyuan Hospital and Beijing Cancer Hospital in China. Inclusion criteria included stage I-III CRC survivors after radical surgery with age between 18 and 75. The intervention was a 6-week online TCM combined group psychotherapy intervention including 90-min communication, TCM lifestyle coaching, self-acupressure guidance, and mindfulness practice led by TCM oncologist and psychiatrist each week. Outcomes were measured by Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventor (FCRI), and Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). Fecal samples before and after intervention were collected for 16Sr RNA analysis. RESULTS: We recruited 40 CRC survivors and 38 of them finally completed all interventions with average age of 58±13 years' old. Paired t-test showed that SAS at week 2(35.4±5.8), week 4 (37.9±10.5) and week 6 (31.3±6.4) during the intervention was significantly lower than baseline (42.1±8.3, p<0.05 respectively). SDS score also declined substantially from baseline (38.8±10.7) to week 2 (28.3±8.8, p<0.001) and week 6 (25.4±7.7, p<0.001). FCRI decreased from 19.4±7.2 at baseline to 17.5±7.1 at week 4 (p=0.038) and 16.3±5.8 at week 6 (p=0.008). Although changes of QLQ-C30 were not statistically prominent, symptom burden of insomnia and fatigue significantly alleviated. The abundances of gut microbiota Intestinibacter, Terrisporobacter, Coprobacter, and Gordonibacter were all significantly elevated after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: TCM combined group psychotherapy intervention is feasible and effective to reduce CRC survivors' psychological distress and modulate certain gut bacteria which might be associated with brain-gut axis effect. It is necessary to carry out with phase II randomized controlled clinical trial.

The Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Pain-Coping Strategies in Women With Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy is one of the most effective forms of intervention in therapy for women with breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on depression, anxiety, and pain-coping strategies in women with breast cancer. The present study is a semiexperimental research with a pretest-posttest with the control group. For this purpose, 50 people of women with breast cancer were admitted to the medical university hospitals of Tehran to method purposive sampling and were randomly selected as experimental ( n = 25) and control ( n = 25) groups. The results showed that cognitive-behavioral group therapy significantly reduces depression and anxiety and increases the use of pain-coping strategies in women with breast cancer. Also in the field of pain-coping strategies between the experimental and control groups, there is a significant difference.

Efficacy of meaning-centered group psychotherapy in Chinese patients with cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Meaninglessness is one of the most common psychological problems in cancer patients, which can lead to anxiety, depression and psychological distress, and diminished quality of life. Recent evidence indicates that meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) effectively enhances the meaning in life among cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MCGP on the meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis. METHODS: Sixty-six cancer patients were randomly assigned to either the MCGP group (n = 33) or the control group (n = 33). Participants in the MCGP group underwent a 4-week, 8-session MCGP, while those in the control group received usual care. Meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence were assessed at both baseline and postintervention to evaluate the impact of the intervention. The intervention outcomes were analyzed using paired t-tests or analysis of covariance, as appropriate. RESULTS: Patients in the MCGP group demonstrated significant improvements in meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, and fear of recurrence from baseline to postintervention. In comparison to the control group, the MCGP group displayed positive effects on meaning in life and post-traumatic growth following the intervention. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of psychological distress and fear of recurrence. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our research offers evidence supporting the effectiveness of MCGP in enhancing meaning in life and post-traumatic growth among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.

As Relações Intersubjetivas e os espaços de Simbolização destinados às Equipes Profissionais que Implementam Políticas Públicas / Intersubjective Relations and Spaces of Symbolization Intended for Professional Teams that Implement Public Policies / Relaciones Intersujetivas y Espacios de Simbolización Destinados a Equipos Profesionales que Implementan Políticas Públicas

Considerando que um grupo é um agenciamento de vínculos intersubjetivos, que permite a expressão de relações entre vários sujeitos, o objetivo deste artigo é discutir a importância dos espaços de simbolização direcionados às equipes profissionais, no que se refere ao impacto destas ações na implementação de políticas públicas. Para esta discussão utilizar-se-á de uma experiência de campo profissional objeto de discussão no processo de doutorado. Participou do campo um grupo de educadores de oficinas culturais e artísticas (oficineiros de cultura) em uma intervenção de Grupo Operativo. Essa equipe profissional (participantes do campo) era composta por doze servidores públicos da Secretaria Municipal de Cultura (SMC) de uma cidade no interior de São Paulo. A duração da intervenção de Grupo Operativo foi de um ano. O trabalho permitiu compreender a importância de espaços que permitam trabalhar/simbolizar as experiências das equipes, no trabalho realizado durante a implementação das políticas: as experiências podem ser elaboradas e reconstruídas, a partir do que é depositado sobre a equipe, seja pela instituição na qual trabalham ou pelos usuários.

Whereas a group is an agency of intersubjective links, which allows the expression of relationships between several subjects, the aim of this article is to discuss the importance of symbolization spaces directed at professional teams, regarding the impact of these actions on the implementation of public policies. For this discussion, field experience will be used the professional subject of discussion in the doctoral process. A group of educators of cultural and artistic workshops (culture "coordinators" named in Brazil "culture oficineiros") in an Operative Group intervention. This professional team (field participants) was composed of twelve public servers of the Municipal Secretariat of Culture (SMC) of a city in the interior of São Paulo. The duration of the Operative Group intervention was one year. The work made it possible to understand the importance of spaces that allow working/symbolizing the experiences of the teams, in the work implementation of policies: experiences can be developed and developed by the reconstructed, from what is deposited on the team, either by the institution in which they work or by users.

Considerando que un grupo es una agencia de vínculos intersubjetivos, que permite la expresión de relaciones entre varios temas, el objetivo de este artículo es discutir la importancia de simbolización dirigida a los equipos profesionales, sobre el impacto de estas acciones en la implementación de políticas públicas. Para esta discusión, se utilizará una experiencia de campo, tema profesional de discusión en el proceso de doctorado. Un grupo de educadores de talleres culturales y artísticos (coordinadores de cultura llamados "oficineiros de cultura" en Brasil) en una intervención de Grupo Operativo. Este equipo profesional (participantes de campo) estaba compuesto por doce servidores autoridades de la Secretaría Municipal de Cultura (SMC) de una ciudad del interior de São Paulo. La duración de la intervención del Grupo Operativo fue de un año. El trabajo permitió comprender la importancia de los espacios que permiten trabajar/simbolizar las experiencias de los equipos, en el trabajo de implementación de políticas: las experiencias pueden ser elaborados y reconstruidos, a partir de lo depositado en el equipo, ya sea por la institución en la que trabajan o por los usuarios.

Novas Pontes na Escuta: Laços e Territórios Virtuais no Cuidado dos Migrantes e Refugiados / New Device of Therapeutic Listening: Virtual Bonds and Territories in the Care of Migrants / Nuevos Puentes en la Escucha: Vínculos y Territorios Virtuales en la Atención a Migrantes

experiência do Projeto Ponte no atendimento de grupos terapêuticos online mostra a potência deste dispositivo no atendimento aos migrantes; nosso projeto defronte à pandemia teve de se adaptar a novos parâmetros no atendimento virtual. Participamos de uma rede de serviços específica ao público migrante, essencial na pandemia de COVID-19, para o apoio e continuidade do trabalho. As referências do projeto são: o conceito de interculturalidade, o atendimento grupal no formato slow open, a língua portuguesa e a psicanálise de grupos e vínculos. Nos atendimentos clínicos com migrantes, consideramos os processos de ruptura da migração, a dupla pertença aos países de origem e destino, bem como a dificuldade de se instalar no país de destino, a estranheza da experiência e o lugar de estrangeiro que o migrante ocupa. Por isso adotamos o dispositivo grupal, onde o migrante encontra um lugar para a construção e elaboração da migração, bem como para estabelecer uma possível pertença.

The experience of Ponte Project in attending therapeutic groups online shows the power that this device provokes in attending migrants; this work with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic had to adapt to the new parameters of virtual therapy. We also participate in a network in the psychological consultation of the migrant public, essential for the continuity of the project's work. The theoretical framework of the project has always been based on: the concept of interculturality, a slow-open group, Portuguese language and Psychoanalysis with groups and bonds. In clinical sessions with the migrants we will consider the processes of rupture caused by migration, the double belonging, as well as the difficulty of settling in the country of destination, all the strangeness caused by this experience and also the place of foreigner that the migrant occupies. That is why we chose to work with groups, where the migrant finds a place to elaborate the effects of migration, in addition to establishing a possible place of belonging.

La experiencia del Proyecto Puente en la atención terapéutica grupal en línea muestra la potencia de este dispositivo en la atención a migrantes. Nuestro proyecto, frente a la pandemia, tuvo que adaptarse a los nuevos parámetros para la atención virtual. Participamos en una red de servicios específicos para el público migrante, esencial en la pandemia del COVID-19, para brindar apoyo y continuidad al trabajo. Las referencias del proyecto son: el concepto de interculturalidad, la atención grupal en el formato slow open, la lengua portuguesa, el psicoanálisis de grupo y los vínculos. En las sesiones clínicas con migrantes consideramos los procesos de ruptura de la migración, la doble pertenencia a los países de origen y destino, la dificultad de integración en el país de destino, la extrañeza de la experiencia y el lugar de extranjero que ocupa el migrante. Por eso adoptamos el dispositivo grupal, donde el migrante encuentra un lugar para la construcción y elaboración de la experiencia migratoria, permitiéndole así establecer una posible pertenencia.

Living with prostate cancer: a mixed-method evaluation of group therapy intervention to alleviate psychological distress in a Canadian setting.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of group therapy focused on the experience of living with prostate cancer (PC) on depression and mental well-being among men with the disease and to explore participant experiences of a guided opportunity to 'speak the unspeakable' as it pertains to living with PC. METHODS: We used a mixed-method convergent design. Participants completed four validated self-report questionnaires at baseline, immediately after the final session, and at three, six, and 12 months follow-up. A repeated measures mixed-effect model examined the effects of the program on depression, mental well-being, and masculinity. Seven focus groups (n = 37) and 39 semi-structured individual interviews explored participant reactions at follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (93%) participants completed the questionnaires at all follow-ups. Responses indicated improved mental well-being up to three months (p < 0.01) and a decrease in depressive symptoms to 12 months (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed how the cohesive group environment alleviated psychological stress, enabled participants to identify significant issues and concerns in their lives, and improved communication and relationship skills that were of value in the group as well as with family and friends. The facilitation was essential to guiding participants to 'speak the unspeakable.' CONCLUSION: Men with PC who speak of their experience in a group setting with a guided process incorporating features of a life review appear to gain insight into the impact of PC in their lives, experience diminished features of depression and isolation, and enhance their communication skills within the groups as well as with family members and friends.

HOPE: A Pilot Study of Psilocybin Enhanced Group Psychotherapy in Patients With Cancer.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVES: Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise in treating depression and existential distress in people with serious medical illness. However, its individual-based methodology poses challenges for scaling and resource availability. The HOPE trial (A Pilot Study of Psilocybin Enhanced Group Psychotherapy in Patients with Cancer) is an Institutional Review Boards-approved open-label feasibility and safety pilot study examining psilocybin-assisted group therapy in cancer patients with a DSM-5 depressive disorder (including major depressive disorder as well as adjustment disorder with depressed mood). We report here the safety and clinical outcome measures including six-months follow up data. METHODS: Outcome measures were collected at baseline, two-weeks and 26-weeks postintervention. The study involved three group preparatory sessions, one high-dose (25 mg) group psilocybin session, and three group integration sessions with cohorts of four participants over a three-week intervention. RESULTS: Twelve participants completed the trial. no serious adverse events attributed to psilocybin occurred. The primary clinical outcome measures of change in symptoms of depression on the clinician administered 17-item-HAM-D showed clinically substantial decrease in HAM-D scores from baseline to the two-week timepoint (21.5-10.09, P < 0.001) and the 26-week timepoint (21.5-14.83, P = 0.006). Six out of 12 participants met criteria for remission at two weeks, as defined by HAM-D < 7, three out 12 demonstrated a clinically significant change (4-6 points), and eight out of twelve demonstrated a clinically substantial change (7-12 points). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and possible efficacy of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for cancer patients dealing with depressive symptoms. Based on demonstrated efficacy and significant reductions in therapist time, future investigations with the group therapy model are warranted.

Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental em Grupo: Estratégia de Psicoeducação com Estudantes de Enfermagem / Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Strategy for Psychoeducation with Nursing Students / Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual en Grupo: Estrategia para la Psicoeducación con Estudiantes de Enfermeira

Este estudo teve por objetivo apresentar os resultados de um grupo psicoterápico psicoeducativo desenvolvido junto a estudantes de Enfermagem. Foram realizados seis encontros com cinco estudantes de uma universidade pública do Estado de São Paulo. Os encontros foram audiogravados, transcritos e submetidos à análise temático-reflexiva. Os resultados encontrados permitiram a construção de cinco categorias temáticas: (1) Desafios da adaptação ao ensino superior; (2) Concepções sobre saúde mental na universidade; (3) Autocuidado e equilíbrio entre a vida universitária e pessoal; (4) Relações interpessoais e vida universitária; (5) Perspectivas e expectativas sobre a formação. O processo de integração à universidade requer mobilização cognitiva, afetiva e social, sendo que as relações com os pares, professores e familiares foram destacadas como importantes para essa adaptação. As participantes destacaram conhecer a importância do cuidado em saúde mental, mas admitiram dificuldades de promoverem o autocuidado. O espaço grupal foi utilizado como ambiente de escuta, estabelecimento de vínculo e autocuidado. Os grupos psicoeducativos demonstraram ser importantes para a construção de estratégias de enfrentamento e um espaço para o acolhimento de demandas que emergem nessa etapa do desenvolvimento.

This study aimed to present the results of a psychoeducational psychotherapy group developed with Nursing students. Six meetings were held with five students from a public university in the state of São Paulo. The meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed and submitted to a reflexive-thematic analysis. The results found allowed the construction of five thematic categories: (1) Challenges of adapting to higher education; (2) Conceptions about mental health at the university; (3) Self-care and balance between university and personal life; (4) Interpersonal relationships and university life; (5) Perspectives and expectations about training. The process of integration into the university requires cognitive, affective and social mobilization, and relationships with peers, teachers and family members were highlighted as important for this adaptation. The participants highlighted knowing the importance of mental health care, but also admitted difficulties in promoting self-care. The group space was used as a listening environment, bonding and self-care. Psychoeducational groups proved to be important for the construction of coping strategies and a space for the reception of emerging demands.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de un grupo de psicoterapia psicoeducativa desarrollado con estudiantes de Enfermería. Se realizaron seis reuniones con cinco estudiantes de una universidad pública del Estado de São Paulo. Las reuniones fueron grabadas en audio, transcritas y sometidas a un análisis temático-reflexivo. Los resultados encontrados permitieron la construcción de cinco categorías temáticas: (1) Desafíos de la adaptación a la educación superior; (2) Concepciones sobre la salud mental en la universidad; (3) Auto cuidado y conciliación de la vida universitaria y personal; (4) Relaciones interpersonales y vida universitaria; (5) Perspectivas y expectativas sobre la formación. El proceso de integración universitaria requiere de una movilización cognitiva, afectiva y social, y las relaciones con pares, docentes y familiares son importantes para la adaptación. Los participantes destacan conocer la importancia del cuidado de la salud mental, pero admiten que tienen dificultad para promover el auto cuidado. El espacio grupal fue utilizado como ambiente de escucha, vinculación y auto cuidado. Los grupos psicoeducativos demostraron ser importantes para la construcción de estrategias de afrontamiento y un espacio de recepción de demandas emergentes.

Efficacy of group therapy to reduce mental distress in women with non-metastatic breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Group treatments have proven to be effective for many mental disorders and showed beneficial effects in patients with medical illness. Aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the efficacy of group therapy for women with non-metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: We included studies comparing group therapy for women with non-metastatic breast cancer to non-active control groups, active control conditions, and individual psychotherapy. The primary outcome was mental distress, secondary outcomes were quality of life, coping, existential outcomes, fatigue, pain, and side effects. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and DARE complemented by a manual search. Random-effects meta-analyses were run separately for different types of control groups. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies (5902 patients) were included. Small effects on mental distress in favor of group treatment were found (non-active control groups: n = 19, g = 0.42, 95% CI [0.29; 0.56], I2  = 61.6%; active control conditions: n = 6, g = 0.20, 95% CI [0.06; 0.35], I2  = 0%). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and third wave CBT group approaches proved to be most effective. Group treatments also showed beneficial effects on secondary outcomes, with most profound evidence on quality of life and coping. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that group interventions have the potential to reduce mental distress in women facing breast cancer. In the light of the considerable heterogeneity of most study effects, there is a need for more rigorous studies to strengthen the promising evidence and for trials examining the impact of patient and intervention characteristics on outcomes. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews, CRD42020184357.

Cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência: um estudo exploratório randomizado utilizando a Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso em grupo / Family caregivers of people with dementia: an exploratory randomized study using Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Introdução: Estima-se que a prevalência de sintomas ansiosos em cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência é igual ou maior do que a prevalência de sintomas depressivos, embora a ansiedade tenha sido pouco explorada na literatura voltada para este público. Estudos têm demonstrado que a Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso (ACT) pode ser utilizada com cuidadores familiares, com efeitos positivos sobre sintomas ansiosos. Entretanto, a ACT ainda não foi avaliada no formato em grupo e tampouco em países em desenvolvimento para este público. Objetivos: O trabalho foi subdividido em dois estudos. O objetivo do Estudo 1 foi revisar a literatura através de uma meta-análise e avaliar quantitativamente a eficácia da ACT em grupo, presencialmente, nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão de adultos com 18 anos ou mais. O objetivo do Estudo 2 foi adaptar e avaliar os efeitos da ACT, em grupo, nos sintomas de ansiedade de cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência. Método: No Estudo 1, quatro bases de dados foram pesquisadas em agosto/2018 e uma busca atualizada foi realizada em novembro/2021. Foram incluídos 48 estudos clínicos randomizados (3292 participantes: ansiedade = 34 ECRs; depressão = 40 ECRs). O Estudo 2, é um estudo exploratório randomizado, realizado em um único centro, não-cego. Cinquenta e sete cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência foram randomizados para o grupo intervenção (n = 29) ou lista de espera (n = 28). O grupo intervenção participou de oito sessões de ACT em grupo, realizadas por vídeo conferência, semanalmente. Os participantes responderam aos questionários de avaliação de ansiedade, depressão, flexibilidade psicológica, qualidade de vida e sobrecarga, em três momentos diferentes: semanas 0, 9 e 20. Análises de regressão múltipla foram realizadas para comparar os escores dos participantes do grupo intervenção e controle, na semana 9 e 20. Os escores da linha de base foram usados como controle nas análises de intenção de tratamento (ITT) e dos participantes que participaram em pelo menos seis sessões de intervenção. Resultados: No Estudo 1 o tamanho de efeito para sintomas ansiosos foi de médio a grande (g=0,52, p < 0,001; 95% IC=0,30 ­ 0,73), já o tamanho de efeito para sintomas depressivos foi de pequeno a médio (g=0,47, p < 0,001; 95% IC=0,31 ­ 0,64). A amostra do Estudo 2 foi composta em sua maioria mulheres, de baixo a médio nível socioeconômico, com uma idade média de 52 anos e mediana de escolaridade de 15 anos. Participantes do grupo intervenção apresentaram pontuações mais baixas para sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, comparados com participantes do grupo controle. Este resultado foi encontrado nas semanas 9 e 20, tanto na análise de ITT, quanto na análise daqueles que completaram seis sessões ou mais. Apenas os participantes que participaram de pelo menos seis sessões, apresentaram redução da sobrecarga nas semanas 9 e 20, além de apresentarem melhora na qualidade de vida na semana 9. Os resultados não indicaram efeitos da intervenção na flexibilidade psicológica. Conclusão: Este estudo oferece evidências a favor da utilização da ACT em grupo, com familiares de pessoas com demência, auxiliando na redução dos sintomas ansiosos e depressivos.

Background: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms is estimated to be equal to or higher than the prevalence of depressive symptoms in family carers of people with dementia. However, anxiety is currently somehow neglected in the carer literature. Previous studies demonstrated that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective for treating anxiety symptoms in family carers of people with dementia, but the vast majority of these studies were conducted in developed countries. Objectives: The thesis was divided into two studies. Study 1 was a meta-analysis which aimed to quantitatively examine the efficacy of group-based ACT, delivered face-to-face, on anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults aged 18 or older. The Study 2 adapted and investigated the effectiveness of an ACT group intervention on the anxiety symptoms in Brazilian family carers of people with dementia. Method: In Study 1, four electronic databases were searched in August, 2018 and an update search was conducted in November, 2021. Forty-eight randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this review (3292 participants: anxiety = 34 RCTs, depression = 40 RCTs). Study 2 was a single-centre, unblinded, double-arm exploratory randomised trial. Fifty-seven family carers of people with dementia presenting with mild to severe anxiety symptoms were randomised to the intervention group (n = 29) or waiting list group (n = 28). The intervention group received eight weekly sessions of group ACT, delivered through videoconference. Participants completed the measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms, caregiver burden, psychological flexibility and quality of life at Weeks 0, 9 and 20. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in scores between the intervention and control groups, at weeks 9 and 20, while controlling for the baseline scores using both intention-to-treat (ITT) and completers data analyses. Results: In Study 1 the overall effect size for anxiety symptoms was medium-to-large (g = 0.52, p < 0.001; 95% CI =0.30­0.73), while the overall effect size was small-to-medium for depressive symptoms (g = 0.47, p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.31­0.64). In Study 2 Participants were mostly women, from low- to middle-income socioeconomic levels, with a mean age of 52 years and median education of 15 years. Participants in the intervention group had lower scores of anxiety and depression symptoms compared to participants in the control condition at weeks 9 and 20 in both the ITT and completer analyses. Only participants who attended six or more sessions (i.e., completer sample) demonstrated reduced caregiver burden at both follow-up points. The completer sample also showed improvement in quality of life at week 9. The results did not show any effect of the intervention on psychological flexibility. Conclusion: This study provides evidence supporting the use of group ACT, delivered through videoconference, with family carers of people with dementia to help them cope better with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Finding Your Self in Group.

The current paper was an invited keynote given at the 2023 Connect Conference of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. The paper addresses the current struggles with love and hate in society and in therapy groups. The author elaborates on how our society has been living through collective traumas, and she focuses on how the pandemic and traumatic social currents have been undermining our collective sense of well-being. They have also been a source of important creative changes in our society and in process and therapy groups. The author examines malignant hate in society, the development of the self, her personal experiences with hate, her experiences conducting "Love and Hate Institutes" at AGPA conferences, and it concludes with a commentary on how developing yourself in a therapy/process group can help you live more fully and contribute to society.