Table 1.

Detailed content for the conquer fear intervention

Session	Content	Home based practice
1	• FCR-specific assessment;	• Examine values identified in session and devise relevant goals (e.g. if identified value is “being physically fit” devise realistic ways to achieve this and identify barriers to achieving goal);
	• Model on which treatment is based is explained;
	• Discussion of existential changes brought about by cancer;
	• Values clarification exercise
		• Reflect on past experiences and how these have shaped response to cancer.
2	• Discuss impact of potential vulnerability factors (e.g., past traumatic events) on FCR;	• Practice ATT on a daily basis throughout the remainder of the intervention and document in diary.
	• Discuss rationale and practice of the Attention Training Technique (ATT), a technique designed to help patients reduce their tendency to ruminate and shift their attention more flexibly when thoughts about recurrence occur.
3	• Introduce the practice of Detached Mindfulness, designed to enhance meta-awareness of cognition and the ability to become an objective observer of the content of thoughts without the need for evaluation or reaction.	• Continue daily practice of ATT;
		• Practice application of detached mindfulness on response to thoughts which trigger FCR.
4	• Provide information about possible symptoms of recurrence of breast or colorectal cancer;	• Continue daily practice of ATT;
	• Provide guidelines to help clients distinguish those from benign physical complaints;	• Practice detached mindfulness in response to emerging thoughts about FC;
	• Reassess self-examination practices and medical surveillance;
	• Identify avoidant or excessive behaviours;	• Devise an appropriate plan based on best available evidence about how to respond to new symptoms;
	• Develop a behavioural contract to help clients to engage in recommended levels of self-examination and follow-up tests (if needed);
	• Discuss beliefs that underpin FCR (eg. beliefs about the benefits of FCR, or beliefs about physical harm caused by FCR);	• Practice worry postponement.
	• Test the validity of these beliefs through Socratic dialogue.
	• Introduce worry postponement as a technique for responding to residual worries
5	• Review goal setting task;
	• Consolidate skills learned throughout the program;
	• Develop relapse prevention plan.