Are you or someone close to you suffering with cancer? Cancer may be much more treatable these days, but a diagnosis can still be shattering even if the prognosis is positive. The treatments involved can be gruelling and the sense of panic overwhelming.
Both my parents suffered with cancer and this first-hand knowledge makes me even more passionate about finding ways to support my clients. I’m a hypnotherapist and while I cannot treat the cancer itself, the wide-ranging hypnotherapy techniques I use can help people with their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being through the following ways: –
- Easing Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. Your whole world seems to have been turned upside down. Hypnotherapy can help patients process their feelings of fear, anger, grief, denial or helplessness and help them to gain back a sense of control and inner strength. Phobia reduction therapy is also particularly useful if sufferers have phobic anxieties about scans, hospitals or surgery.
Rates of depression and anxiety are higher in cancer patients. Surprisingly often, the deepest depression can set in once treatment is over and the mind has time to realise what has just happened. This can be both confusing and distressing as most people expect to feel much better after being given the ‘all clear’. The bottom line is that no two people’s experience is ever the same and a very individual response to therapy is essential.
- Pain Management
Hypnotherapy can be used to reduce the perception of pain by helping the brain ‘turn down the volume’ on pain signals. Deep relaxation techniques and powerful visualisations work to help the body in its own healing journey.
- Improved Sleep
Hypnotherapy is a very effective aid for sleep which can often be disturbed by anxiety, pain, or the side effects of medication. By use of relaxation techniques and visualisations, relaxation comes more easily and aids the mind to gently switch off. With sleep being a key component in healing and well-being, this is an extremely important part of any cancer patient’s journey.
- Coping Skills
Often relying on friends and family for support can be tricky as there might be a great deal of pressure to minimise feelings to protect loved ones so learning to negotiate other people’s feelings while developing personal coping skills is so important. Hypnotherapy incorporates mindfulness elements too so can be a very useful way to help with acceptance, resilience and managing others.
For the most part, cancer patients benefit most from therapy that helps them feel fully understood and that can significantly reduce their emotional and physical suffering. It’s a privilege to help my clients regain a sense of self and agency during one of the most challenging times in their lives. A safe, non-judgemental space can often make all the difference.”
For more details or to book with Alison, visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/alisonscott
