Psychological Treatment of a BRCA gene mutation carrier in a Clinical Genetics Service using Solution Focused Therapy (SFT): – A Case Study

Abstract This case study employs solution-focused therapy (SFT) to alleviate anxiety and bereavement symptoms in a patient with a BRCA2 gene mutation. The patient was referred to therapy following treatment for breast cancer after describing high cancer anxiety and low mood in relation to two family bereavements and her breast cancer treatment. She completed 10 sessions of SFT over 12 months. The patient reported improvements in her mood and reduction in anxiety symptoms by the fifth session. There was a set-back in therapy at the sixth session which was attributed to bereavement anniversaries and the onset of the COVID pandemic. Over four more sessions the patient resumed the improvements, and five months after the end of sessions she reported that the improvements had been sustained. She felt that the therapy had allowed her to reconnect with her existing strengths and resources and successfully move forward from her genetic cancer diagnosis.