Keywords

family therapy, childhood cancer, therapist competence

Abstract

The authors propose that families facing childhood cancer inadvertently become part of a distinct cultural group. To better train clinicians working with these families, this study was conducted as a phenomenological exploration of the common experiences of those who work with, and participate in, this "culture of cancer" (i.e., members of a pediatric oncology treatment team that includes medical family therapists). Two primary themes emerged from the data: culture of change and relationships. A qualitative description of medical family therapists as part of the treatment team was also developed. Insight into this culture and recommendations for family therapists working in this area of practice are provided.

Original Publication Citation

*Harrington, A. D., Kimball, T. G., & Bean, R. A. (2009). Families and childhood cancer: An exploration of the experience of a pediatric oncology treatment team. Families, Systems & Health: The Journal of Collaborative Family Health Care, 27, 16-27.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2009-3

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7825

Publisher

Families, Systems, & Health

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

Share

COinS