Healing Psyche: The Patterns in Psychological Cancer Treatment
Healing Psyche: The Patterns in Psychological Cancer Treatment
Rob van Overbruggen’s Healing Psyche: Patterns and Structure of Complementary Psychological Cancer Treatment (CPCT), based upon years of extensive research, is designed for therapists who wish to use innovative psychological interventions in assisting their patients with cancer. “This is a groundbreaking research paper that reads more like a page-turning novel” - Ellen Tanner March - New York Times best-selling author
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Thank you, Dr. van Overbruggen
Thank you, Dr. Rob van Overbruggen! You have really done a great service for humanity with this phenomenal work. With the use of volumes of research by some of the most respected names in both psychological cancer treatment and overall MindBody healing studies you have catapulted the MindBody Connection premise by ions; and, by your comprehensive overview have given us in the field some much needed validation. This work is a guidebook, not only for therapists who are working to help cancer patients become active participants in their own healing journey, but also for the cancer patients themselves to study and do their own introspection and, consequently, make the changes within that may be called for. Everything is coming together now for all of us to begin to believe that the word Cancer is not synonomous with death. Healing Psyche is a must read for anyone who doubts the power of the mind to heal or the power of the body to heal itself when blocks to healing have been removed; and, it has come at the perfect time as people’s minds are becoming more open to alternative and complementary therapies since Traditional Medicine does not, obviously, have all the answers. The bottom line is ‘WE WANT TO LIVE’. Healing Psyche is about giving power back to cancer patients and about cooperation with Medical Staff so that the patient can benefit from the best efforts of a healing team. Anyone who has studied cancer treatment or has been involved with a loved one who has been diagnosed learns quite quickly that what is a cure for one person is not necessarily the answer for the next person. That is why cancer is so difficult to cure; it behaves differently in each person. Chemo, unfortunately, doesn’t have the success rate of Penicillin. And that is mostly because germs are outside invaders and cancer is a reaction of the body to something within the MindBody itself. Healing Psyche provides a great deal of proof for that theory along with the processes that may be an aid to healing. It is a monumental thesis written in a way that makes it useable by the patient. I am very grateful for the dedication and expertise that went into this healing guide.
Carole Seaver, MA, Holistic Counselor
5 Stars Best Review and Discussion of Theories and Rresearch in Mind-body Influences and Interactions with Cancer
Rob van Overbruggen brings us the best review and discussion of theories and research in mind-body influences and interactions with cancer. This book is written clearly, well organized, rich in quotations from the numerous authors cited, replete with case examples, and an excellent resource for anyone interested wholistic healing of cancer.
There are many facets of psychological health and disharmony that may contribute to the development of serious illnesses. Some are well known, other are less familiar. Here are but a few of the numerous aspects of this important aspect of understanding and dealing with cancer that van Overbruggen clarifies.
The author marshals well-supported discussions on ways in which stress that is handled poorly can lead to serious illnesses. Stress is commonly assumed to occur with negative experiences, but van Overbruggen points out that positive ones such as marriage and relocation to a new residence or work situation may be equally stressful.
Similarly, residues of traumatic experiences that are not released may fester within people, eventually manifesting in physical disorders. Cancer is commonly found to occur following such experiences.
It is not the things themselves that confuse people, but their judgment of those things.
- Epictetus
A less well known factor is self-regulation.
Grossarth-Maticek et al. (1995) interviewed participants in 1973 to assess their level of “self-regulation.” Self-regulation is defined as people’s ability to notice the results of their behavior and correct it to achieve their goals. By definition, self-regulation can only take place when people have an internal locus of control. Fifteen years after the initial interview, they conducted a follow-up study to assess the participants’ health status. Of those who scored in the lower section of the test, only 2% were still alive. Of the participants who initially scored in the higher regions, 81% were alive. (p. 87)
The author points out that imagery is commonly used as a tool for transformation as a part of many therapies. It is often included in cancer treatments. What is less known is that assessments of the elements in people’s imagery can also have diagnostic value.
[Jean] Achterberg came to the following conclusion: “The total scores were found to predict with 100% certainty who would die or show evidence of significant deterioration during the two-month period, and with 93% certainty who would be in remission… (p. 168
Generous counterpointing quotes and client reports of their experiences with the various therapies make this book an engaging read. The many pages of references are a blessing to anyone seriously interested to know more about the many and varied available treatments for cancer. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in wholistic approaches to helping people who have cancer. It is also helpful in addressing end of life issues and facing death. “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.” (p. 200)
5 Stars Great resource!
“Healing Psyche is a treasure trove of rigorous research on the mind-body connection for cancer - all presented in practical ways that both doctors and their patients can access and implement easily. Quite frankly, this book could save your life.”
Christiane Northrup, MD, author & physician
5 Stars Mind/Body Therapy
It is becoming more generally accepted, both in the medical community and in the general populace, that the connection between mind and body is such a close one that these two aspects of experience may truly be seen not as two separate entities but as two aspects of ONE phenomenon: the “whole” human being. One aspect is gross material, and the other non-material: body and mind respectively. If this premise is accepted, then it is certain that what goes on in the mind will affect the body, and vice-versa. This is a fast-growing realization, and a powerful motivation toward investigating how one may work with the mind in order to create and sustain physical health.
Rob van Overbruggen’s book addresses this point exactly, and it does so with considerable skill, using simple, direct language to produce a clear and accurate description that truly enlightens the ideas surrounding the whole field of what is popularly termed Mind/Body Therapy. Also, though he has a specific concentration in this work, all that he says can easily and effectively be transferred to apply to any physical malady.
Without reservation, I recommend this book to all of those interested in the premise ofthis book.
Alexander Docker, Ph.D
Filed under: Cancer Books