Compassion-Focused Therapy for a Young Adult Post-Treatment for Cancer: Case Study

Young adults who have experienced cancer are at increased risk of mental health difficulties. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has a growing evidence base in cancer populations, yet research remains limited among young adults who are post-treatment. This case study describes a 12 session CFT intervention for a young woman with depression and anxiety, in the context of being post-treatment for skin cancer. Pre- to post-CFT improvements on measures of self-compassion, psychological distress, anxiety and depression, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence, as well as client-centred goals, were reported. Client feedback also supported the acceptability of the intervention and adapting for sociocultural factors was perceived as useful. This case study offers preliminary support for CFT in this population. Future high-quality intervention research is needed to help inform care pathways.