Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for Palliative Care Patients (MCP-PC)

Development of Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for Palliative Care Patients

This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of an adaptation of a well-established brief, structured existential psychotherapy (Meaning Centered Psychotherapy) specifically tailored to the needs of palliative care patients (MCP-PC). Terminally ill patients with cancer who have been hospitalized in a palliative care hospital will be randomly assigned to either MCP-PC or enhanced usual care. Patients will complete a very short battery of self-report measures before the 3-session intervention, and again 2 and 4 weeks later to determine whether treatment has bolstered spiritual and psychological well-being and improved quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Terminal illness with life expectancy of less than 6 months; hospitalized at a palliative care facility in Bronx NY, English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric symptoms that preclude informed consent or participation in treatment.