Hypnosis for Cancer

One of the scariest things to hear from your doctor is “You have Cancer.”

One can be left feeling terrified, anxious, depressed and out of control. These are all natural responses to a life-changing diagnosis. However, Hypnosis for cancer has proven to be extremely valuable in the treatment of cancer patients both emotionally and physically.

Many studies have been done verifying that working with a hypnotherapist has been successful in stress reduction associated with cancer. In the revolutionary bestselling book “Getting Well Again”, doctors O. Carl Simonton M.D. (Author), James Creighton Ph.D. (Author), and Stephanie Matthews Simonton (Author) profile the typical “cancer personality”: how an individual’s reactions to stress and other emotional factors can contribute to the onset and progress of cancer — and how positive expectations, self-awareness, and self-care can contribute to survival. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Again-Bestselling-Revolutionary/dp/0553280333

Hypnotherapy is a fantastic tool that can help assist the patient in many ways including helping them feel more in control, less fearful and anxious. One scenario involves using guided mental imagery: visualizing their body’s immune system working with the medical treatment to help annihilate the disease. Another scenario is when hypnotherapy can be used to comfort patients by guiding their focus on something other than their current illness and environment, thus giving them a new perspective on their situation. Much as with deep relaxation and meditation, the patient will feel empowered and comforted in such a way as to allow their body to expend its energy in healing or fighting the disease.

The physical pain patients inflicted with cancer commonly experience after chemotherapy, radiation or surgery is a well-known fact. It’s reassuring to know that hypnosis for cancer has been proven successful in diminishing and managing the side effects of treatment. Sessions often begin with an analysis of the patient’s fears, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Then, after guiding the patient into a state of hypnosis, the therapist offers suggestions to help relieve symptoms. For example the therapist may suggest that the patient replace the feeling of pain with an alternative sensation such as numbness. The specific form of these suggestions will be adapted to the patient’s unique situation and needs.

Hypnotherapy may not be able to cure cancer but it certainly can improve the patient’s quality of life.

Further reading on interesting studies regarding Hypnosis and Cancer: