HYPNOTERAPl - Dansk Selskab for Klinisk Hypnose

Benefits of Early Interventions with Cancer Patients
A Clinician's 15 Year Observations
Christel J. Bejenke, M.D.
CHRISTEL J. BEJENKE, M. D. is a board-certifted anaesthesiologist in private practice in
Santa Barbara California. Among others she studied with Milton Erickson. She has used
hypnosis and related approaches for over 25 years in anaesthesiology, obstetrics (hyperemesis
gravidarum and for stressfree births); for acute and chronic pain conditions, and
other medical indications. She developed methods which are easily integrated into busy
conventional medical practices and applicable to a multitude of interventions. Her special
interest is supportive care of cancer patients and improvement of quality af life before,
during, and after surgery, as well as for chemotherapy, radiatian, bone marrow
transplantation, etc. Along with hypnosis and self-hypnosis, she includes imagery and psychoneuro-immunological
approaches.
Dr Bejenke teaches and lectures nationally and internationally and has authored several
publications including the chapter "Painful Medical Procedures" in J. Barber Ed.: Hypnosis
and Suggestion in the Treatment of Pain (1996).
ABSTRACT
The emotional distress of patients confronted with the diagnosis of cancer is often underappreciated
by physicians, as are the lasting effects of initial negative experiences. Early
application of hypnotic approaches can aid in developing coping skills, allow patients to
become active, co-responsible participants in their medical care, and enable them to lead
meaningful lives, no matter which direction their illness may take. Preparation for surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplantation etc. can reduce physical suffering and
treatment side effects. Imagery and "psychoneuroimmunological" modalities can be included.
Such approaches can facilitate patient management. Loved ones can be taught supportive
measures which can decrease their sense of impotence.
This paper is an abbreviated Introduction to the author's Cancer Workshop and was
presented at the 1997 ISH.
Correspondence Address:
Christel J. Bejenke
4004 Cuero Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 931, USA
Phone: +1 805 682-2990
CHARACTERSTICS OF CANCER PATIENTS
Years ago I began to observe a distinct difference - during my pre-anesthesia interviews -
between other surgical patients (no matter how serious their condition, or how extensive their
expected surgery) and patients who had a diagnosis of cancer (no matter how minimal their
anticipated intervention might be). I eventually recognized a charac-teristic pattern of
distinctive features which seemed to be common to the majority of "cancer patients". One is
the high degree of emotional distress, another the lasting effect of initial negative physical
and emotional experiences. Both are often under-appreciated by physicians.
From the moment of first confrontation with the diagnosis, patients pass through different
emotional stages during the course of their illness - each with its own peculiarities and
requirements. The paramount experience includes fear, helplessness, victimization, and
bewilderment: fear of mutilation - suffering - death: helplessness in view of the enormity of
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