Hypnotherapy and NLP in Cancer Care
Evidence-based mind-body therapies for cancer patients — hypnotherapy and NLP to manage anxiety, anticipatory nausea before chemotherapy, cancer-related pain, sleep disturbance, and psychological resilience during and after treatment.
What Are Hypnotherapy and NLP in Cancer Care?
Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) are mind-body therapies used in integrative oncology to manage anxiety, anticipatory nausea before chemotherapy, cancer-related pain, and sleep disturbance. They are not treatments for cancer itself — they address the psychological and physical burden of cancer and its treatment.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) includes hypnosis in its clinical practice guidelines for anxiety and pain management in cancer patients, based on evidence from multiple randomised controlled trials. The strongest evidence is for anticipatory nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy — a distressing conditioned response that affects up to 30% of chemotherapy patients.
Dr Kloppenburg holds an MSc in Ericksonian Hypnosis (Barcelona) and a Master Practitioner qualification in NLP. She has treated over 60 patients with hypnotherapy in clinical practice. She uses these therapies as part of a broader integrative care plan — not as standalone sessions. Remote video consultations are available UK-wide.
Clinical Indications in Cancer Care
Anticipatory nausea and vomiting
Before chemotherapy cycles — one of the strongest evidence bases for hypnotherapy in oncology
Procedural anxiety
Before scans, infusions, biopsies, and other medical procedures
Cancer-related pain
Adjunct to pharmacological pain management; particularly useful for procedural pain
Sleep disturbance
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns during and after treatment
Psychological resilience
NLP techniques to reframe negative thought patterns and build coping strategies
Hot flushes
Evidence from RCTs for hypnotherapy in reducing hot flush frequency and severity
Hypnotherapy vs NLP — What Is the Difference?
| Therapy | Mechanism | Primary Uses in Cancer Care |
|---|---|---|
| Hypnotherapy | Guided relaxation and focused attention to create heightened receptivity to therapeutic suggestion | Anticipatory nausea, procedural anxiety, pain, hot flushes, sleep |
| NLP | Psychological techniques addressing thought patterns, language, and behaviour | Negative thought reframing, psychological resilience, coping strategies, fear of recurrence |
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Hypnotherapy and NLP in Cancer Care
What is hypnotherapy and how is it used in cancer care?
Hypnotherapy is a mind-body therapy that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to create a state of heightened receptivity, in which the mind is more open to therapeutic suggestion. In cancer care, it is used to manage anxiety, anticipatory nausea before chemotherapy, pain, and sleep disturbance. It is not a treatment for cancer itself.
What is NLP and how does it differ from hypnotherapy?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a set of psychological techniques that address the relationship between thought patterns, language, and behaviour. In cancer care, NLP is used to help patients reframe negative thought patterns, build psychological resilience, and develop coping strategies. Dr Kloppenburg uses NLP alongside hypnotherapy as part of an integrated mind-body approach.
What does the evidence say about hypnotherapy for cancer patients?
The evidence base for hypnotherapy in cancer care is moderate. Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness for anticipatory nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy, procedural anxiety, and cancer-related pain. The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) includes hypnosis in its clinical practice guidelines for anxiety and pain management in cancer patients.
Can hypnotherapy help with chemotherapy-related anxiety?
Yes. Anticipatory anxiety and nausea before chemotherapy cycles are among the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Clinical trials have shown that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce anticipatory nausea and anxiety. Dr Kloppenburg uses hypnotherapy specifically for this indication, as well as for procedural anxiety before scans or infusions.
How do I access hypnotherapy and NLP through Dr Kloppenburg?
Book a 60-minute remote consultation by calling 07575 424024 or completing the online request form. Dr Kloppenburg will take a full history before recommending hypnotherapy or NLP as part of your integrative care plan. Sessions are conducted remotely via video consultation.
Discuss Hypnotherapy and NLP with Dr Kloppenburg
Book a 60-minute remote consultation to discuss how hypnotherapy and NLP can support your wellbeing during cancer treatment. Dr Kloppenburg will take a full history and provide an integrated mind-body care plan.
Remote consultations · UK-wide · 60 minutes · Book via call or online request