Hypnotherapy in a specialist palliative care unit: evaluation of a pilot service

There is evidence that hypnotherapy may have an application in the palliative care setting by relieving stress and helping patients to cope with their illness and the prospect of dying. It may also be of benefit to health professionals working in this sometimes stressful field. This article reports on the audit of a pilot hypnotherapy service for patients, carers and staff at a specialist palliative care unit. The audit explored the demand for hypnotherapy, the practicalities of providing the service and identified benefits as perceived by the clients and the therapist. Evaluation methods included questionnaires for quantifiable and qualitative data. The study was conducted over 5 months and involved 11 clients (seven staff and four patients). The main findings depicted unanimous positive coping and relaxation benefits to the clients. At the end of the therapy, 82% felt it had assisted in improving the presenting problem and 91% felt it had been of benefit in general. Further issues are discussed such as the therapeutic relationship, non-attendance and the environment used during the sessions.