This book is a study of the simultaneous physiological recordings and psychoanalytic observations when emotional/psychological responses to external stimuli occur "pari passu" with observed physiological changes. It is the culmination of the author's psychiatric and psychoanalytic work with patients over fifty years, and is based on the simple premise that physiological measurements cannot describe the mind and the mind cannot describe physiological processes. In order for us to have a significant knowledge of the object, we need both, and the authors argue that medical specialists and health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, etc.) need to be trained to adopt a Complementary approach to patients. Without a Complementary approach, patients are neglected. The complex relationship between mind and body offers vital clues to the individual s condition, and only by considering patients both physically and mentally can doctors and psychoanalysts make precise and competent judgements."

This book is a study of the simultaneous physiological recordings and psychoanalytic observations when emotional/psychological responses to external stimuli occur pari passu with observed physiological changes. It is the culmination of the author's psychiatric and psychoanalytic work with patients over fifty years, and is based on the simple premise that physiological measurements cannot describe the mind and the mind cannot describe physiological processes. In order for us to have a significant knowledge of the object the author argues that we need both, and that medical specialists and health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, etc.) need to be trained to adopt a Complementary approach to patients. The complex relationship between mind and body offers vital clues to the individual's condition, and only by considering patients both physically and mentally can doctors and psychoanalysts make precise and competent judgements.

"Psychotherapies and the Treatment of Cancer Patients "addresses the need for a more integrated care of cancer patients within hospitals which pays attention to the mental anguish as well as physical distress caused by the disease. This book based on Lawrence Goldie's own research with cancer patients, which has shown that psychoanalytic psychotherapy together with general medical care can significantly help dying patients cope with the pain and suffering associated with the disease.
Drawing on this research, the book advocates a more holistic approach to the cancer patient and suggests ways in which more expert attention might be provided through awareness, training and resources. The book describes the innovative approach within the hospital context to help individuals cope with cancer. As well as an overview of cancer and the therapeutic approach, topics covered include:
- The impact
- Of cancer on hospital relationships
- Cancer in different areas of the body and mind
- "Mind-bending pain"
- Dread and trauma-on being told the truth
- Psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the NHS "general" hospital
- Examining group processes in hospital
"Psychotherapy and the Treatment of Cancer Patients" challenges the existing orthodoxies about palliative care and points to ways in which the principles and methods of psychoanalysis can be applied successfully to cancer care within the hospital context.