Psychological Therapy (Counseling and Hypnotherapy)
Hypnosis is an artificially induced sleep-like condition of high concentration, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction. Hypnosis can be used to:
- Block the awareness of pain
- Change sensations from unpleasant to comfortable
- Increase relaxation
- Reduce stress
How it's used: A hypnotherapist who is licensed in the healing arts can perform hypnosis. You also can be taught to place yourself under a hypnotic state.
Counseling can help many people with cancer to ease any feelings of hopelessness, fear, depression, and isolation that they may be experiencing. Some topics you may want to talk about or receive advice on include:
- Side effects of treatment
- Coping with the physical and psychological effects of cancer
- Anger
- Understanding grief
- Living with cancer
- Fear and uncertainty
How it's used: Counseling can be received on an individual basis or at group sessions. Help is available on the Internet, through toll-free telephone numbers, and at cancer counseling centers. Therapy is available for those living with cancer, as well as for their family and friends.
