In 19891, Dаvid Spiegel (Stаnfоrd) аnd cоlleagues repоrted out a clinical trial where metastatic breast cancer patients were randomized as follows: either (A) a control group with standard oncologic care or (B) standard oncologic care plus a group therapy intervention led by a licensed therapist and psychologist or social worker**. The group therapy treatment had an aggregate survival about 2X the control. What might explain the significant enhancement of cancer survival due to a psychiatric intervention like this? 1Effect of psychosocial treatment on survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer. (1989) The Lancet, 334: 8668. **Group therapy in this trial was defined as follows (this is really FYI in case you have never heard of the concept of group therapy before): The intervention lasted for a year while both control and treatment groups received their routine oncological care. The intervention groups met weekly for 90 min, led by a psychiatrist or social worker with a therapist who had breast cancer in remission. The groups were structured to encourage discussion of how to cope with cancer, but at no time were patients led to believe that participation would affect the course of disease. Group therapy patients were encouraged to come regularly and express their feelings about the illness and its effect on their lives. Physical problems, including side-effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, were discussed and a self-hypnosis strategy was taught for pain control. Social isolation was countered by developing strong relations among members. Members encouraged one another to be more assertive with doctors. Patients focused on how to extract meaning from tragedy by using their experience to help other patients and their families. One major function of the leaders was to keep the groups directed toward facing and grieving losses.