Objective:
This case involves a woman grieving the loss of her mother, experiencing bereavement-related distress and death anxiety. Two years after her mother's death, she was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, triggering additional psychological challenges related to illness adjustment. Through the psychotherapy process, the case addressed grief, loss, and post-cancer adaptation.
Research Method:
A case study approach was used.
Background:
Client: 55-year-old female
Diagnoses: Neurotic Depression (age 50), Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma (age 57)
Loss History: Brother’s death (age 13), Mother’s death (age 55)
Therapeutic Frameworks and Results:
Therapeutic Frameworks
1.The Three R Model of Grief (Robert A. Neimeyer)
- Retelling the death narrative: Processed narrative of bereavements. Processing the symptom of dissociation
- Rebuilding relationship with deceased: Restructured relationship with deceased. Complete the important dialogue that was interrupted after the mother's death.
- Reinventing personal identity and life meaning: Reauthored personal identity and life meaning. Write the story of loss and reconstruction into your personal life history and write your own future history
2.CALM Therapy (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully)
- Symptom Management: coping with fatigue, cough, difficulty with body temperature regulation.
- Self & Relationships: negotiating attachment with family members.
- Spirituality & Meaning: Reflected on life values and spiritual questions (e.g., prioritizing what matters in life)
- Death Anxiety: Double awareness allows for a more comprehensive understanding to Prepare for the future, sustain hope, and face mortality.
Results
- Total sessions: 35
- BAI: Decreased from 36 to 12
- BDI: Decreased from 19 to 9
- Improvements noted in:
- Anxiety regulation
- Occupational adaptation
- Self-Identity
- Family dynamics
- Spiritual awareness
Conclusion
Integrating grief and illness adjustment models can effectively support psychological recovery and personal growth. Structured therapeutic space enhances emotional healing and resilience.