Wellness Institute Blog

Hypnosis has proven to be extremely valuable in the treatment of cancer patients. Specific applications include: establishing rapport between the patient and members of the medical health team; control of pain with self-regulation of pain perception through the use of glove anesthesia, time distortion, amnesia, transference of pain to a different body part, or dissociation of the painful part from the rest of the body; controlling symptoms, such as, nausea, anticipatory emesis, learned food aversions, etc.; psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, hostility, frustration, isolation, and a diminished sense of self-esteem; visualization for health improvement; and, dealing with death anxiety and other related issues. Hypnosis has unique advantages for patients including improvement of self-esteem, involvement in self-care, return of locus of control, lack of unpleasant side effects, and continued efficacy despite continued use.

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are often stressful events, and high levels of psychological and psychiatric disorders have been reported consistently over the last 20 years as a result of these conditions. However, there is good evidence that much of this distress is preventable by providing a support service that is fully integrated with other parts of the patient’s cancer services. Relaxation therapy, guided imagery and hypnotherapy can be very beneficial in helping patients cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. This helpful intervention can take the form of self-hypnosis or facilitated, Holistic Hypnotherapy.