Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Within Oncology

Karen J. Meltzer, Kendall J. Sharp, and Laura Howe-Martin

Citation

Meltzer, K. J., Sharp, K. J. & Howe-Martin, L. (2022). Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Within Oncology. Journal of Health Service Psychology, 48(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-022-00065-6

Abstract

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically supported treatment for several psychological conditions, including anxiety, within a psycho-oncology setting. The ACT emphasis on psychological flexibility, values, and willingness to experience unwanted thoughts and emotions can be powerful for patients with cancer. However, practicing ACT within psycho-oncology can be difficult for providers who feel a desire to protect patients from distress or instill positivity in each session. We present a specific, though not uncommon, clinical presentation and provide a framework for clinicians to build awareness of the therapeutic challenges of using ACT within psycho-oncology. Key clinical considerations include intersectionality, the consequences of positivity in cancer culture, integrating practical problem-solving into the ACT framework, and the psychologist’s own fusion with thoughts and feelings about psychotherapy.

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