The first task is to evaluate which factors and behaviours may have a negative effect on coping mechanisms. Once these have been identified, the therapist and patient work together on behavioural answers.
The role of the clinician is one of support, acceptance, and facilitation of interaction.

Humour therapy

Laughter therapy is used as an emotional release and to reduce stress. Of course, humour can be a delicate matter and it has to be appropriate – you won’t always feel like laughing. But there are many demonstrated benefits, and has helped many people. Laughing has physiological effects: it can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, boost immune function and also release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers which produce a general sense of well-being. If using all of the body’s energy to concentrate on cancer, it can block therapeutic interventions of both medical and CAM treatment. Using laughter can help to strengthen human energy and achieve a greater sense of inner peace.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an artificially induced condition, resembling profound sleep, marked by subconscious activity and sensitivity to suggestion. This intervention has been found useful in the treatment of cancer pain.

Imagery

Imagery or visualization is the language that the mind uses to communicate with the body. A person’s mind can learn to direct and control images and can help his body to heal itself. Imagery can be used to help relieve pain and to control hundreds of ailments. Visualization and other relaxation methods have shown that they may produce significant benefits –often by helping to ease pain.

Meditation

Meditation is a safe and simple way that can help balance a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. The focus of meditation is to quieten the busy mind. The intention is to direct your concentration to one healing element – a sound, word, image, or breath. Meditation may confer benefit by helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and regain a sense of self-control. There are various types of meditation – prayer is probably the best known, but there is also transcendental meditation, mindfulness meditation, Zen, Buddhist, and Taoist meditation, among others.

Music therapy

Music or sound therapy is a method that consists of the active or passive use of music to promote therapeutic effects and improve quality of life. This intervention can involve guided imagery, and can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. In cancer patients who have had chemotherapy, research found that music therapy resulted in reductions in levels of pain and nausea.

Relaxation

The main objective of relaxation exercises is to calm the mind and to reduce emotional tension through muscle relaxation. It can be useful in assisting the patient to relax muscles, get better blood flow to a painful part, as well as to decrease anxiety. Several techniques may be used, such as progressive muscle relaxation, rhythmic breathing, and guided imagery.

Spiritual practices

A very old healing tradition, such practises involve asking favours and interventions from a spiritual source – God or spirit – to participate in healing the sick. Studies have found that spirituality is very important to the quality of life for some people with cancer. The psychological benefits can include reduction of stress and anxiety, promotion of a more positive attitude, and the reinforcement of the will to live.

Support and self-help groups

A support group can provide patients with support and hope can help patients and families look beyond the diagnosis, cope with treatment, and start living life once again. For more information about support groups, see our section on support groups.