Cairnmillar has helped thousands of people deal with personal trauma such as the diagnosis of life threatening illness like breast cancer. The aim of this research is to provide six sessions of Contextual Modular Therapy (CMT) for women and members of their extended families affected by the diagnosis of breast cancer. CMT is a time-limited therapy that integrates principles and techniques from the major psychotherapies. The model is distinguishable from other brief therapies by its theoretical integration, its six-session time limit, its specific clinical focus, and its techniques for dealing with different systems of dissatisfaction and distress. CMT provides the therapist with a modular, sequential application of interventions and with explicit criteria for movement from one stage of treatment to the next.
The aim of this research is to investigate and provide further research evidence about the effectiveness of CMT in the treatment of breast cancer. In particular, the interventions in the model which the participants considered most appropriate in alleviating their psychological distress and contributed to their individual wellbeing. The impact for individuals, couples and families will be great, as there is currently little by way of controlled data in this important area of psychotherapy research. In particular the existential factors that are extant in psychological treatment and outcome.
Educating Practitioners