I can offer hypnosis for cancer-related symptoms in Brisbane? If not local, consultation can be arranged via Skype.
It will be personalised for your particular issues.
Scripts and audio downloads will be available at a later date
I have a holistic approach to the care of patients with cancer and am an active promoter of mind body wellness, including the use of medical hypnosis for pain and nausea management and hot flushes in chemotherapy-induced menopause.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals who have undergone a procedure designed to relax them and focus their minds. Self-hypnosis is when individuals enter this focused state themselves. All hypnosis is in fact self-hypnosis, as it is the individual who allows their mind to enter a focused state and interact with the hypnotherapist.
Is Medical Hypnosis available in Brisbane?
For individuals with cancer, medical hypnosis is used to alleviate or modify either symptoms of the disease or symptoms subsequent to the treatment of the disease. Hypnosis has been used in medicine since the work of surgeon James Braid in the 1840s. My use of hypnosis is restricted to its medical use in treating symptoms of cancer both in the treatment stage and the palliative and supportive stage. Face to face sessions are best if you live in Brisbane or South East Queensland.
Is there any evidence that Medical Hypnosis works for nausea, hot flushes & pain in cancer?
‘Does hypnosis work?’ is a common question!
Pain
A review of 13 studies using hypnosis in the management of chronic pain shows that it is effective.
Nausea and vomiting
There is good evidence for nausea and vomiting including anticipatory nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
Hot Flushes (Flashes in USA)
There has been extensive research reported on the use of hypnosis for hot flushes, including in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology. The Australian Menopause society reports that there is evidence that hypnosis is a useful non drug treatment for hot flushes associated with menopause.
Can hypnosis cure cancer?
Hypnosis is not considered a cure for cancer and as such I do not treat cancer with hypnosis.
What can hypnosis do for individuals with cancer?
Hypnosis is helpful in managing the side effects of either the cancer treatment itself or the side effects of the cancer. Stress can also magnify any symptoms you might have. Many individuals experience an improvement in their quality of life after a series of hypnosis sessions. Using hypnosis daily (either through self-hypnosis or listening to an audio copy of a hypnosis session) helps to reduce stress levels. Regular use of hypnosis and meditation have been shown to boost your immune system.
Hypnosis and Radiology interventions in patients with cancer.
The diagnosis of cancer often involves many procedures, ranging from CT scans MRI’s, biopsies of tissue many of which are done by a radiologist. These procedures are often stressful and involve some discomfort. Overseas studies have shown that there can be a marked reduction both in stress and discomfort by adding self hypnosis to the procedure. Often time can be saved and even money saved by the use of this self hypnotic intervention.
Hypnosis and surgery.
Before anesthetics were available there were many surgical procedures performed under hypnosis. This is not something that would be recommended to most people as it takes people with very high “hypnotic skills” to be able to mange it. For those who are capable of watching it, three is a short video of Holly Forester-Miller having a hernia repair whilst using self-hypnosis. Self hypnosis can be useful for managing some of the post operative issues patients can have.
Hypnosis and radiation treatment.
A benefit from hypnosis is not as well documented. Hypnosis can help in the management of pain and with burns. It may be possible to ameliorate some of the redness that occurs with radiation treatment. This is something I would be happy to investigate.
Why have Medical Hypnosis with Dr Hawson?
While there are many therapists and non-therapists providing hypnosis to the general public, it is important to seek the expertise of a well trained practitioner who understands the nature of your disease and symptoms. As a Medical Oncologist with many years experience I understand the range of issues that can face individuals with cancer. I can offer individualised hypnosis sessions based upon your cancer, its stage and the treatment being offered. Very few others are able to do this.
I am a full member of the Australian Society of Hypnosis (Dip. Clin. Hyp.) and hold Certification in Clinical Hypnosis from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) (I am the only Australian with this certification at this time). I have completed the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Brief Psychotherapy (Hypnosis) courses at the Milton Erickson Institute in Phoenix Arizona USA. I have completed Dr Michael Yapko’s comprehensive hypnosis training course and attended a number of his advanced workshops.
I regularly update my skills and recently completed the June 2018 ASCH Advanced Workshop on “Self Hypnosis with Patients with Serious Illness” in Washington DC facilitated by Dr Holly Forester-Miller.
I have given numerous talks on the use of medical hypnosis for cancer-related symptoms, including an invited plenary session on Mindfulness in Cancer at the Brisbane Cancer conference in December 2015. My training in the Martial art of Aikido ( second Dan black belt techniques ) along with a Shoden ( first Dan black belt in Ki or energy understanding) , allows me to have a unique perspective on mind body interactions. Many of the mind body interactions from Aikido have applicability in the area of hypnosis and can help individuals to understand what the mind is capable of.
Many people find cancer symptom relief with medical hypnosis, mindfulness and meditation. If you think you might benefit from some medical hypnosis sessions, please contact me for an appointment.
If you have issues with understanding your diagnosis, treatment or prognosis, you might like to visit my companion site Cancer Second Opinion, where I offer advice in these situations.