Although cancer can be a traumatizing event, many people find that it serves as a time for self-reflection, growth, and increased spirituality. This can create an opportunity to restructure assumptions about the world in a healthier way, which can lead to positive life changes ("posttraumatic growth"). 

Psycho-spiritual therapy promotes posttraumatic growth (PTG)

A type of therapy that incorporates principles of third wave Cognitive Behavioral therapy and spiritual dynamics for healing to occur. Psycho-spiritual therapy draws upon aspects of depth psychology that utilizes altered states of  consciousness, which include practices such as passage meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, music, and guided imagery therapy. 

Psycho-spiritual therapy 

From the diagnosis stage to the survivorship stage, breast cancer patients are at risk for developing depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Patients of all ages have expressed fears about cancer recurrence, pain, suffering, and death. 

Psychological and physical consequences of breast cancer

Because cancer patients often experience existential distress, psycho-spiritual therapy has been reported to stimulate optimism, improve psychological well-being, physical well-being, spiritual well-being, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) amongst breast cancer patients. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chronic Illnesses studied in health psychology include
-	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
-	Cancers
-	Chronic Kidney Disease
-	Fibromyalgia
-	Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
-	Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)


Health Psychology Research Relating to Specific Chronic Illnesses

Garlick, M., Wall, K., Corwin, D., & Koopman, C. (2011). Psycho-spiritual integrative therapy for women with primary breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 18(1), 78-90.

Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy for Women with Primary
Breast Cancer

Psycho-spiritual therapy for breast cancer patients

A significant proportion of women with SLE suffer from poor sleep quality. Findings from current research suggest that depressed mood, prednisone use, and lack of exercise contribute to decreased overall sleep quality.

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