Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy: Finding Purpose in the Face of Cancer

In this episode, we speak with Brian Jin, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) at Yale New Haven Health’s Smilow Cancer Hospital. Brian shares his journey and experience supporting cancer patients through MCP, an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals find meaning and hope amidst illness. He discusses how this therapeutic approach can empower patients, help them navigate the emotional challenges of cancer, and maintain vitality throughout their treatment. Brian’s expertise also extends to his work with support groups for lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain tumor patients. Tune in as we explore the power of meaning and purpose in sustaining hope and resilience during cancer treatment. About Our Host Samantha Siegel, MDDr. Samantha Siegel is an internist at Kaiser Permanente and the current Director of Cancer Survivorship at Kaiser San Francisco. She has survived relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, including an autologous bone marrow transplant in June 2022. This has made her passionate about cancer survivorship, integrative medicine and personal narrative impacting the illness experience. She is a public speaker advocating strongly for cancer care. Dr. Siegel is pioneering a longitudinal cancer survivorship care model, beginning at diagnosis, that can be replicated in other healthcare systems. She is focused on elevating cancer survivorship to a distinct, multidisciplinary board certification status. Dr. Siegel lives in Davis with her husband, three kids and energetic dog. She enjoys outdoor activities, plant-based living and any occasion to dance. If you have questions, feedback, or topic ideas for upcoming episodes, please e-mail us at: [email protected].