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Yes to Life's website content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information is for educational and informational purposes only and has not been reviewed by medical doctors or oncologists. Cancer is a highly complex group of diseases, and it is known to manifest differently in different people, often responding more favourably to individualised approaches to treatment and care. Yes to Life advocates that any person diagnosed with, or suspected of having, cancer, consults with a suitably qualified and experienced medical professional before initiating any type of therapy or supportive treatment. Click here to read our full Disclaimer.
Hypnotherapy
Also Known As:
Suggestion Hypnotherapy, Analytical Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Hypnotherapy
Summary:

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. It is an altered state of consciousness into which you allow yourself to enter, with the guidance of a therapist. In this state, people can frequently access understandings of the causes of behaviour, of past feelings, and of their deepest desires which the business and demands of daily life do not generally allow. These understandings can then be used to underpin and shape present behaviour and help to elicit changes in certain perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. You are in control at all times, you always know what is happening, and you can come out of the altered state at any time by simply opening your eyes.

Description:

During your first visit, the hypnotherapist will ask about your general health, symptoms, your medical history, and the desired results, in order to decide on the best approach for you. Using a gentle, reassuring and calming tone, your hypnotherapist will guide you into a relaxed state, somewhere in between being asleep and awake. Once you are in this daydream state, your conscious, or alert mind is relaxed and the therapist can then work with your subconscious, promoting positive and healing messages. During all hypnotherapy sessions you will remain in full control, and will be able to feel, hear, speak and be fully aware of what is happening around you.

History:

Altered states of awareness have been recognised for thousands of years and hypnosis is widely accepted as a beneficial psychological therapy to access our inner potential. The term hypnosis, is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. The Greeks and Romans had a strong history in hypnotherapy. Chinese medicine recognises over 5000 years of hypnotic relationship between healers and patients. In more modern times, Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) was regarded as the father of hypnotherapy. The word mesmerised is derived from Mesmer`s name. Scottish surgeons James Braid (1795-1860) and James Esdaile (1808-1859) validated the use of hypnosis prior to surgery. They recognised the benefits for patients and were among the first doctors to have hypnosis accepted by their medical peers. During the mid-1900s, Milton Erickson was a well-known psychiatrist who used hypnotherapy in his practice. In 1958, both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association recognised hypnotherapy as a valid medical procedure. Since 1995, the National Institute of Health has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain.

Notes:

Hypnotherapy is generally very safe. Most people say that they have a positive experience with it, although some people report negative side effects, such as increased anxiety. You shouldn’t use hypnotherapy with some medical conditions, as it could make them worse. These include psychosis, personality disorders, and epilepsy. If you have other types of mental health problems, or a serious illness such as cancer, you should always see a hypnotherapist who has experience of treating your condition. Children under the age of 7 should only be hypnotised by a therapist who is trained in working with this age group. Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can improve cancer-related symptoms such as anxiety (including anticipatory nausea and vomiting), fatigue, and sleep disturbance and can reduce pain (especially effective in control of pain after invasive procedures or surgery) and nausea. It has also been found to be effective for mucositis pain. Since hypnotherapy is a non-invasive therapy, it is particularly good for children in managing procedure-related pain, anxiety, and distress.

Costs:

£50-90. Some clinics are able to offer an initial package of up to eight free/ low cost sessions. A session of hypnotherapy privately can cost between 50 and 90. Your GP may also be able to recommend a hypnotherapist who works within the NHS.



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Practitioners
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Louise Bates
Leamington Spa, UK

Heathcote Holistics is a complementary therapy practice in Whitnash, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire; founded by Louise Bates, a Complementary Therapist, Author and Podcaster ...
Hannah Charman
Highley, UK

Hannah Charman offers natural herbal menopause treatments for patients has gone into early menopause due to cancer treatment those that are struggling with menopause after cancer ...
Kirsten Chick
Kirsten Chick has been practising nutritional therapy for over a decade, having been inspired to train after recovering from cancer ...
Dr Damien Downing
Dr Damien Downing MBBS, MRSB practises Ecological Medicine, allergy (or immune dysfunction), the identification and treatment of damaged or disordered immunity ...
Ludwig Esser
Swansea, UK

Ludwig Esser is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, focusing on what is good with you, rather than simply the cancer, and what feels like is going wrong ...
Bettina Falkenberg
UK

Bettina Falkenberg is an Integrative Energy Practitioner, supporting clients with the emotional and physical side effects of cancer, and other chronic diseases ...
Claire Forrester
Cambridge, UK

Claire Forrester is the principal Osteopath at The Form Practice a complementary health practice, in a peaceful setting in Hardwick near Cambridge, out of the hustle and bustle of town ...
Anita Gibson


Anita Gibson is a Holistic Cancer Coach, a cancer survivor, an author, a naturopath and hypnotherapist ...
Dr Stephen Hopwood
Totnes, UK - England (South West)

Dr Stephen Hopwood M.B.ChB Lic.Ac (M.B.Ac.C) a medical practitioner, is the Clinical Director of the Arcturus Clinic with specialty in treating people with cancer to support their health and wellbeing ...
Steve Kippax
London, UK

Steve Kippax practices The Four Pillars of Health which will allow us to support and maintain our wellbeing, and when disease occurs, will hasten a speedy recovery ...
Dr Olivia Lesslar
Dr Olivia Lesslar works with innovative clinics and organisations in LA, London and Sydney, curating personalised programs ...
Dr Sally Moorcroft
Dr Sally Moorcroft is one of the most highly trained Integrative and Functional Medicine doctors in the UK and the co-founder of the Northern Centre of Integrative and Functional Medicine (NCIFM) ...
Kate Oldham
Bristol , UK

Kate Oldham is a cancer rehabilitation therapist, and a cancer survivor herself, offering a range of therapies to cancer patients ...
Debra Quin
Leeds, UK

Debra Quin is an experienced Hypnotherapist assisting patients in developing strategies to cope better with the inevitable fear and anxiety created by a cancer diagnosis ...
Lorna Rhodes
Loudwater, UK - England (South East)

Lorna Rhodes offers support to cancer patients and holds a certification from the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission, Cancer Nutritional support ...
Dr Rajendra Sharma
Dr Rajendra Sharma is an Integrated Medical Doctor utilising conventional, complementary and functional medicine ...
Wendy Smith
London, UK - England (South East)

Wendy Smith is an experienced Nutritional Therapist specialising in metabolic/inflammatory conditions, most notably cancer ...
Fiona Stimson
Tadworth, UK

Kora Coaching specialises in empowering women with cancer and chronic illness to live more ...
Dr Aryan Tavakkoli
Lewes, UK - England (South East)

Dr Tavakkoli provides integrative support for adult patients with previous or current cancer in her clinic Quantum Clinic ...
Dr Elizabeth Thompson
Bristol, UK - England (South West)

Elizabeth Thompson set up the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) and is passionate about bringing together conventional, lifestyle and holistic approaches ...
Dr Andre Young-Snell
Brighton, UK - England (South East)

Dr Young-Snell qualified in conventional medicine and trained at Guy’s Hospital Medical School in London ...
Clinics
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Arcturus Clinic (The)
Totnes, UK

The Arcturus Clinic has been running for over 15 years and aims to treat the holistic needs of the individual using complementary medicine. It offers ...
Ayrshire Cancer Support
Kilmarnock, UK

Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated in Ayrshire since 1982, providing emotional support and practical help for cancer patients, their families, carers and the bereaved. ...
Beter Kliniek
Geldrop, Netherlands

BeterKliniek is an integrated medicine clinic in Netherlands bridging the gap between regular and non-regular medicine ...
Blackheath Complementary Health Centre
London, UK - England (South East)

Blackheath Complementary Health Centre is a multi-disciplinary practice providing complementary and alternative approaches to health care ...
Cancer Options
Nottingham, UK

Patricia Peat, founder of Cancer Options, support people with cancer by looking at their individual needs, taking a metabolic, integrative approach to develop support plans ...
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centre (The)
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centres provide a safe and welcoming environment for people affected by cancer. Services for people with cancer and their families ...
Napiers Herbal Medicine Clinics
Napiers the Herbalists provides original herbal remedies, natural therapeutic skincare, botanical beauty and herbal food supplements and teas, an operates four herbal medicine clinics ...
National Centre for Integrative Medicine
Bristol, UK - England (South West)

The National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) champions an Integrative Medicine Model, combining conventional, lifestyle and holistic approaches ...
Quantum Clinic
Lewes, UK - England (South East)

Quantum Clinic is a progressive medical clinic offering a Functional Medicine and Integrative Medicine approach to adults with cancer ...
Somerset Health and Wellness Clinic
Ottawa, Canada

The Somerset Health and Wellness Clinic uses naturopathic medicine to make the health of their patients their top priority ...
Surrey Holistic Centre for Functional Medicine
Godalming, UK - England (South East)

Surrey Holistic Centre for Functional Medicine is a multi-disciplinary centre incorporating the latest developments in holistic and complementary medicine ...
The Chiltern Clinic
Loudwater, UK - England (South East)

The Chiltern Clinic is an independent provider of complementary therapies and health related services based in Loudwater, High Wycombe ...
The Hale Clinic
London, UK

The Hale Clinic was opened in 1988 by HRH The Prince of Wales, as the first clinic in the UK to combine conventional and complementary medicine ...
The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services
Claughton, UK

The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services is a nurse-Led therapeutic cancer support centre for people who have a cancer diagnosis ...
The Natural Practice
Dr David Owen, founder of The Natural Practice, provides alternative medicine in a variety of therapies via twelve alternative medical practitioners ...
Vision of Hope Clinic (The)
Brighton, UK - England (South East)

The Vision of Hope Clinic specialises in Metabolic Protocol, a nutritional approach to wellbeing, headed by Dr Young-Snell who has qualified in conventional medicine ...
Information & Advice
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Cancer Information and Support Society (CISS) (The)
St Leonards, Australia

CISS provides information about alternative cancer therapies and support for those who choose to use them ...
Canhelp Inc
Livingstone, United States

CANHELP serves patients and/or family members who wish to take an active part in the healing process and are willing to think outside the conventional medical box ...
Yes to Life
London, UK - England (South East)

Yes to Life is a charity that offers support to people with cancer in the UK who want to take a proactive role in their treatment ...
Organisations
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Bury Cancer Support Centre
Bury, UK

Bury Cancer Support Centre offers support, information and complementary therapies in an informal atmosphere ...
CLAN Cancer Support
Clan Cancer Support is a local charity providing emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland ...
Cancer Support Centre (The)
Birmingham, UK

The Cancer Support Centre is a local charity supporting those affected by cancer in the West Midlands ...
CancerCare
CancerCare help families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in North Lancashire and South Lakeland, with centres in Lancaster, Barrow, Kendal and Morecambe ...
CancerWise
Chichester, UK - England (South East)

CancerWise is a registered charity offering support and information to anyone concerned about cancer in the Chichester area ...
Cavendish Cancer Care
Sheffield, UK

Cavendish Cancer Care offer online support including courses and classes and virtual support groups, in-person group sessions, 1-to-1 counselling and complementary therapies ...
Chai Cancer Care
Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s national cancer support organisation, enabling patients, family and friends to manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis. ...
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care
Barnet, UK

Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is an independent charity offering free complementary therapies free of charge delivered by cancer nurse specialists and therapists ...
Christie NHS Foundation Trust (The)
Manchester, UK - England (North)

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust offers complementary therapies by 30 therapists Monday to Friday and working throughout the hospital ...
Fountain Centre (The)
Guildford, UK - England (South East)

The Fountain Centre is an independent charity located on within St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital providing emotional and holistic support ...
Gentle Approach to Cancer Association
UK - England (North)

The Gentle Approach to Cancer is a Cancer Support Group based in Preston, Lancashire, offering a holistic approach helping patients look at their own needs ...
Integrated Cancer Therapies (ICT)
UK

Integrated Cancer Therapies is a registered charity specialising in delivering complementary therapy to people with cancer living in Northamptonshire ...
Liverpool Sunflowers
Liverpool, UK

Liverpool Sunflowers is a charity providing support to local people following a diagnosis of cancer or other life changing illness ...
Olive Tree (The)
The Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre is an independent charity providing a range of support services to cancer patients, their carers and families. ...
Penny Brohn UK
Bristol, UK

Penny Brohn UK is the cancer health and wellbeing charity with a wide array of services free and online ...
Perci Health
UK

Perci is a virtual care hub connecting people living with cancer and their caregivers, to a team of multidisciplinary cancer experts ...
Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
London, UK

The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) is a centre for evidence-based practice, education and research, specialising in chronic and complex medical conditions. ...
Sadie Centre (The)
Letchworth, UK

The Sadie Centre (formerly known as The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living) represents a holistic approach to life, about health promotion and illness prevention ...
South East Cancer Help Centre
South East Cancer Help Centre aims to give any person affected by cancer an opportunity to explore ways which may help them to cope with their situation ...