Blog Articles
Cancer Hypnotherapy
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.
What is cancer hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is basically a state of focused attention with the suspension of peripheral awareness. It's a very common state which can explain experiences where we appear to be on 'autopilot' or where we are so engrossed that we fail to hear our name called or respond to events going on around us. When athletes describe they are ‘in the zone’, they are effectively in a hypnotic state where they experience heightened focus, exceptional performance, and no pain or perceived limitations to their capabilities. In a therapeutic setting however, hypnosis can be initiated by an ‘induction’ process, which can be associated with relaxation and calm.
Is hypnotherapy effective in all cancer patients?
About 80 per cent of the population have a variable degree of hypno-suggestibility, and it can be enhanced with practice. Roughly 10 per cent are hyper suggestible, and 10 per cent entirely resistant, and for those with contra-indications mentioned above, it is clear that clinical hypnosis would not be appropriate for all cancer patients. However, a significant proportion of cancer patients are highly motivated, open to innovation, and willing to learn therapeutic options to improve the impact of their therapy. They often have repetitive treatments and hospital visits which provide opportunities to integrate self-hypnosis alongside waiting time, during investigations or whilst treatment is being delivered. Using it in this way can make 'time fly', and reduce or even eliminate discomfort with procedures such as cannulation or treatment-related side effects. Once treatment has been completed, cancer 'survivors' may have ongoing issues which may be helped by clinical hypnosis. Body image, sexual dysfunction, sleep, and depression or anxiety about the uncertainties of the future are common legacies that may be ameliorated with the help of self-hypnosis, which will speed the benefits of other interventions such as CBT or counselling. In those who cannot be cured of their disease, then this short intervention can provide a means to modify symptoms, manage mood and anxiety, and provides a helpful adjunct to other palliative treatments.
How does hypnotherapy support cancer treatment?
A wide range of studies and meta-analyses show statistically significant benefits. However, unfortunately, many doctors are not educated about its use and applications and hence are not aware of its therapeutic potential as 'adjuvant' therapy. It can speed recovery, shorten hospital admissions, reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation. Hypnotherapy is one of the best treatments available to treat drug-resistant irritable bowel syndrome, proven in randomised clinical trials. It has even been used to anaesthetise patients during surgery and speed their healing time. Clinical hypnotherapy should not be a replacement for conventional and evidence-based treatments. For example, though hypnosis can be used to reduce pain, it is not advocated that you should stop all pain medication, but hopefully, it can be used as a tool to allow reductions in analgesia requirements with regular practice. Similarly, your medical issues may need input from a variety of clinicians and therapies, and self-hypnosis can be used to assist and speed the impact and effectiveness of all your treatments as an adjuvant component rather than an alternative.