Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Among Patients with Advanced Cancer and Depression: Rationale and Preliminary Evaluation of MCP-PSIL.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) June 1, 2026 William E Rosa, Stephanie Napolitano, Natalie Mcandrew et al.
Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) is a manualized, brief intervention that enhances meaning and purpose and appears to be a natural therapeutic partner for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder. In a phase 2 open-label trial, seven patients (ages 53-80) and six therapists (with 9-44 years of experience) participated in surveys and focus groups to adapt MCP for psilocybin. Focus groups highlighted the value of psilocybin experiences, group support, and MCP both separately and together. A 5-session model called MCP-PSIL was developed. The group format was emphasized, though individual MCP may be appropriate in some cases.