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Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Supportive and Palliative Care

Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis

Guided imagery, visualization and hypnosis are techniques that use the imagination with the purpose of changing the way our bodies work and changing the way we think about ourselves. Research has shown that visualizing a certain movement of the body, for example, triggers activity in the same areas of the brain that would be activated if you were actually moving the body part you visualized. Visualization is just a way of describing one way of producing images by 'seeing' them on a sort of imaginary screen in your mind. Hypnosis is a similar technique that adds the use of suggestions to reinforce the re-enactment of those images throughout the day.

FAQs

Are Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis a "New Age" practice?

Guided imagery, visualization and hypnosis have become popular during the last 20 years through the so-called Ò"New Age" movement. However, they are not a "New age" practices and have nothing to do with any particular spiritual or religious group. These techniques have been part of all medical traditions around the world for thousands of years. Hypnosis has also been a part of medical Western practice since the early 1900's.

How do I choose a Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis therapist?

Guided imagery, visualization and hypnosis therapists may be 'lay therapists' (therapists who do not have a medical license) or may be health care providers who have been trained in these techniques (such as social workers, chaplains, psychologists, counselors, physicians or nurses). There is no specific license to practice these techniques.

Because a correct visualization of the state you want to achieve may be important when using imagery, if you are dealing with a medical condition such as cancer, it may be appropriate to choose a therapist who has been trained in a medical environment and particularly, who has experience treating cancer patients using these techniques.

Would Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis be covered by my health insurance?

Usually these techniques are not covered as such by health insurance. However, they may be offered as part of counseling sessions, medical or nursing visits. In these cases, they will be covered by your health insurance. You may be able to receive insurance-covered guided imagery or hypnosis from licensed psychologists, social workers, chaplains, counselors, nurses or physicians who have been trained in these techniques. Make sure you ask the provider about their training and their experience in offering these techniques, particularly in cancer patients.

Are Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis safe to use along with chemotherapy and radiation treatment?

Guided imagery and hypnosis are not only completely safe to use along your conventional cancer care, but also recommended to prevent possible side-effects of chemo and radiation.

How frequently do I need to receive Guided Imagery, Visualization and Hypnosis sessions to see an effect?

Usually, the effects of these techniques can be felt immediately. However, for these therapies to be useful in the management of pain, a regular practice is required. How much you need to practice will vary from person to person. Practicing every day and even through the day a few times may be required to achieve the desired effects.

You may need a few sessions to learn how to use these techniques on your own. Some people prefer to practice regularly with a therapist even if they practice by themselves at home in between visits. This is not completely necessary but could help reinforce your practice. Frequently, the therapist would be able to record a CD of your sessions so you can use it at home as guidance.