Psychotherapy in the Consultation-Liaison (C-L) setting ir shaped by the re
alities of the patient's situation, since all patients referred ave dealing
with physical illness. The patient's state of physical and mental health w
ill determine both the type of therapeutic work possible and the focus of s
uch work. Tailoring the therapeutic intervention to the patient's specific
needs and flexibility in altering and adapting therapeutic strategies over
time in line with the patient's changing needs ave essential Although perio
ds of treatment may range from single session to long term, supportive, ins
ight oriented, group, family, cognitive and behavioral techniques have all
been used successfully in a C-L setting with measurable impact on well-bein
g. Psychotherapeutic work in C-L is unique in that the focus of the therapi
st extends beyond the patient and family to include all caregivers, includi
ng other health cave professionals, in line with the biopsychosocial model.