Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis and Guided Imagery have been used successfully to help people deal with pain, nausea, fear of needles, fear, guilt, anxiety and other issues surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I have a doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy.  As part of my degree program, I studied the mind-body techniques that are successfully being used to compliment cancer treatment. I primarily studied the work of Dr. O. Carl Simonton, MD, Gerald Kein, CHt. and Stephen Parkhill, CHt

I make no guarantees to anyone about recovery and fully expect you to continue to follow the advice of your medical doctor.  I simply assist you in using techniques that have been show to:

• Reduce nausea
• Improve self-management of pain
• Increase restful sleep
• Increase positive mental attitude and expectancy for future
• Support immune functioning and medical therapies 

The protocol includes weekly sessions for a minimum of 12 weeks.  Most clients choose quarterly visits thereafter to maintain a healthy mental focus. There is also “homework” in between sessions which mostly amounts to listening to recordings, but may include journaling or other self-work.  Some clients negotiate changes in this protocol depending on their condition and progress (requires agreement by therapist).  Clients report it is a pleasant experience for them and something to look forward to.

The therapies that are relevant to the cancer patient are:

• Pain Management using Hypnosis and Guided Imagery
• Relaxation Therapy and Breath Control Training
• Release of Anger, Sadness, Fear, Guilt & Anxiety
• Avoidance of Depression with Focused Thinking Techniques
• Abatement of Nausea with Hypnosis and Anchoring Techniques
• Overcoming Insomnia- Hypnosis & Relaxation Techniques
• Overcoming Fear of Needles with Hypnosis and Guided Imagery.
• Treatment Effectiveness & Immune System Support -Guided Imagery
• Healthy Behavioral Changes through Hypnosis
• Appetite and Enjoying Food Enhancement through Hypnosis.
• Structured Goal Setting for Planning for Life Beyond Treatment
• Note that in all of the above therapies, one-on-one guidance is supplemented with recordings for self-work and frequent (often daily) practice and relaxation.

These therapies have been developed and/or used by doctors and cancer treatment centers effectively to boost quality of life and support treatment effectiveness. Additionally, I can recommend books and other information relevant to your situation that may help you stay on a positive track.