Support group in an emergency situation in oncology: Interests and limits

The clinical psychologist is often appealed by the medical and auxiliary nursing staff during crisis situations. This article reports how an expressive (supportive) group has been setting emergency plans into place following a hard palliative situation. The team analyzes the factors that contributed a traumatic experience, though this type of situation is quite common in the oncology department. In the expressive (supportive) group, the psychologist supports the care providers in expressing their emotional experience together and rapidly after the traumatic event. Ideally, this work is a comprehensive attempt of elaborating what has been experienced by everyone as a professional in this difficult situation. The aim is to give coherence to the caring process for the team which is treated roughly. Nevertheless, its action is limited over time. A reflection is proposed on the role of the psychologist as an organizer of this type of group in a team with which he works.