Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
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Hypnotherapy
Mind-Body
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsClinical hypnotherapy has some of the strongest evidence of any mind-body intervention for cancer treatment-related side effects. A landmark Cochrane review found hypnosis significantly reduces pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and procedures. The American Cancer Society recognises hypnotherapy as an evidence-based complementary intervention. It is particularly effective for children undergoing painful procedures, procedural anxiety (port access, biopsies, bone marrow aspirations), anticipatory nausea, hot flashes from hormonal therapies, and post-surgical pain.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Hypnosis induces a focused, absorbed state of consciousness characterised by heightened responsiveness to suggestion. In this state, the default mode network is quietened and the anterior cingulate cortex (which modulates pain perception) becomes highly responsive to suggestion. Direct suggestions for comfort, numbness, and ease alter the subjective experience of pain and nausea at a neurological level measurable on fMRI. Also reduces sympathetic nervous system activity and cortisol.
What a Session Looks Like
Individual sessions of 5090 minutes with a certified clinical hypnotherapist. Typically 48 sessions for most concerns, though a single session before a procedure can be highly effective. Patients are taught self-hypnosis for daily or as-needed use. Audio recordings of personalised hypnosis scripts can be used at home. Available in some cancer centres; also widely available privately.
Cautions & Considerations
- Requires a qualified clinical hypnotherapist not a stage entertainer or lay practitioner
- Look for therapists accredited by the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis, ASCH (USA), or equivalent
- Hypnosis does NOT make people act against their will common misconceptions should be addressed
- Contraindicated in active psychosis or severe dissociative disorders without specialist guidance
- Some patients are highly resistant to hypnotic induction effectiveness varies by individual
- Not a substitute for medical management of severe pain or chemotherapy-induced nausea