Development of a Brief Psychoanalytic Group therapy (BPG) and its application in an asbestos national priority contaminated site

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to describe the development of a Brief Psychoanalytic Group therapy for contaminated sites and its application in the National Priority Contaminated Site of Casale Monferrato. Before presenting the core of the clinical intervention, a brief examination of some clinical features encountered working with malignant mesothelioma patients and their caregivers is offered. These aspects have been pivotal elements in the construction of a psychoanalytically oriented time-limited (i.e., 12 sessions) group therapy. This model of intervention was designed by one of the Authors (AG) and is aimed at reducing the impact of living in a threatening place where both physical well-being and health are put to the test. At a psychological level, in fact, living in contaminated sites arouses death anxieties, which can deeply compromise the quality of time remaining to live together with loved ones after a fatal cancer diagnosis.