This book shows practitioners from all schools how to address the specific needs of physically ill patients in therapeutic dialogue and what to consider when shaping the therapist-patient relationship. Physical illness can lead to stress reactions, existential crises, and states of regression, depending on the severity and type of illness, experiences with life crises, and the personality of the patient. The authors discuss conclusions for therapeutic attitude and technique, using numerous case examples. They particularly focus on establishing the working alliance, utilizing crises as opportunities for processing illness, managing overwhelming anxiety, grief processes, employing imaginative and creative methods, suicide risk, and specific aspects of therapy termination for patients facing existential threats.