Current Topic:
Using mental imagery and visualisation with cancer patients
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Abstract
The use of mental imagery and visualisation techniques is a well-established therapeutic practice that has been widely popularised through the medium of self-help books by authors such as Rossman (2000). Its application in the cancer field was pioneered in the 1970s by the Simontons (Simonton & Mathews-Simonton, 1980), who believed that the healing process could be supported by helping cancer patients visualise the immune system attacking and destroying cancer cells.
Since then a wide range of applications of this potentially powerful technique have been developed that can help patients manage their responses to the illness. Examples of this would be: preparing for chemotherapy, controlling stress, containing and working through emotional distress, make meaning out of the health crisis, as well as developing an imagery practice based on the Simontons’ original work in order to mobilise inner psychological resources.
This module has been designed to introduce healthcare practitioners to this practice so that they can both understand how visualisation techniques can be used effectively in cancer care and also know how to offer guidance to patients who have queries about using it to support their own healing processes. It will begin by setting the use of mental imagery into a wider context of psychological therapies and outlining the current explanations for its physiological and psychological effects along with the research evidence. The module will then differentiate the three main types of visualisation techniques (i.e. directive, receptive and interactive), and it will discuss examples of each type related to the psychological management of cancer. Principles of safe practice, including contraindications will be clearly identified. Other important associated practice issues, such as cultural diversity, will also be discussed.
Throughout the module the reader will be encouraged to develop their appreciation of this powerful approach by using specific visualisation techniques on themselves. This module intends to foster an understanding that mental imagery is a language that opens up the possibility of deeper communication with the whole mind–body system. Thus, fluency in this language can be of considerable benefit to both patients and healthcare practitioners.
