The Context of CALM

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the range of psychotherapeutic interventions that have been applied to patients with advanced and metastatic cancer and the relationship of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) to the field. Approaches to alleviate distress at the time of diagnosis of advanced or life-threatening cancer, those for patients near the end of life, and those for patients living with metastatic and advanced cancer are discussed. The latter include supportive-expressive, meaning-centered, cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness-based, and grief therapies tailored for individuals, groups, and families. Interventions tailored for the end of life, including Dignity Therapy, Short-Term Life Review, and narrative interventions, are reviewed. The barriers to the optimal delivery of psychosocial interventions for patients with advanced disease are also explored.