Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Virtual Group Therapy to Improve Psychological Wellbeing in Patients With Cancer

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Jan 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to see how two types of therapy—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Based Virtual Group Therapy—can help improve the mental well-being of patients with cancer. Many individuals diagnosed with cancer experience emotional distress and a lower quality of life, even when their condition is stable or in remission. The therapies in this trial aim to enhance feelings of compassion, understanding, and mental flexibility, which can help patients cope better with the challenges of cancer.

To participate, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) receiving care at Mayo Clinic Arizona and have a cancer diagnosis, whether you’re currently undergoing treatment or have finished treatment within the last two years. It’s important that you can read, write, and speak English, and are willing to attend all six virtual group sessions. However, some individuals may not be eligible if they have certain mental health concerns that could interfere with the group experience. If you join, you can expect a supportive environment where you can learn skills to manage stress and improve your overall psychological well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Being an adult (18 years or older)
• • Being a patient of Mayo Clinic Arizona
• • Having a cancer diagnosis, having treatment planning in progress, undergoing cancer-related treatment, or having completed cancer within the past 2 years (in recent survivorship
• • Experiencing stress or challenges related to cancer and having treatment goals that align with the purpose of the group
• • Having self reported proficiency to read/write/speak English
• • Expressing interest and commitment to attend all six virtual group sessions
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients' inability to take part in and benefit from the virtual group therapy based on clinical judgment of the psychosocial oncology team member who completes the psychosocial evaluation, which may include having active suicidal or homicidal intent, experiencing uncontrolled psychotic symptoms, having untreated personality disorder/characteristics that are likely disturbing in a group setting, and/or having moderate to severe cognitive impairments