title: Clinical supervision and complementary therapists: an exploration of the rewards and challenges of cancer care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study explored the experiences of therapists working in cancer care settings and more specifically, the value of clinical supervision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Invitations for therapists to participate in three focus groups were sent to five cancer care settings. Each group responded to seven trigger questions, formulated from the literature review. Audiotapes were transcribed aided by notes taken during the sessions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 15 therapists participated in the three groups. Themes and sub - themes were identified; these related to the rewards of being in a privileged and honoured position, the importance of prior experience and motivation, and supervision as a supportive resource. Participants acknowledged and explored shared experiences and identified common coping and 'taking care of self' strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants were all from the North West of England cancer care centres with local support and supervision arrangements in place. Limited demographic details were collected. One group fell short of the recommended number of participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This exploratory study identified that supervision was appreciated, with therapists reporting that the work itself helped sustain them. Individuals also reported that they used complementary therapies to manage work related stress.
authors.affiliation: University of Derby (Buxton Campus), UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Electronic address: peter.mackereth@christie.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Mackereth
authors.affiliation: Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, Adswood, Stockport SK3 8LS, UK.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parkin
authors.affiliation: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Donald
authors.affiliation: University of Derby (Buxton Campus), UK.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Antcliffe
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D012201:Reward; D012648:Self Care; D017132:Workplace