Effectiveness of Image Therapy in End-stage and Terminal Cancer Patients : Combination of Counseling and Biofeedback

Abstract

We have conducted, since 1991, counseling and Simonton Image Therapy in addition to biofeedback in terminal disease patients who felt despair and helplessness after being told that they have cancer and informed of their remaining lifespan. In a survey of 36 patients who had undergone image therapy, results regarding the effectiveness were as follows : 23 persons (63.9%) said they were more relaxed mentally and physically; 17 persons (47.2%) reported their symptoms lessened; 16 persons (44.4%) reported having hope for living; with regards to feelings toward therapy, 18 persons (50%) said they were willing to continue, looking forward to favorable results while 18 persons (50%) were willing to continue with a positive attitude. Psychological tests showed that of 17 persons, 13 (76.5%) suffered from depression, however, after image therapy, 11 persons (84.6%) reported an improvement in their condition. From these results, it can be said that image therapy is effective in the care of terminal cancer patients. In addition, we also report on the effective use of these therapies in the case of a terminal cancer patient who entered remission from his bone marrow cancer.