The needs of people facing a serious illness go far beyond medical care. Anxiety symptoms, isolation, loss of identity, the emotional exhaustion of loved ones — all of that deserves support too. That is where this work begins.
What serious illness brings
- Anxiety symptoms around uncertainty and medical procedures
- Chronic pain and side effects
- Sleep disruption
- Emotional exhaustion and isolation
- Identity shifts
- Changed relationships with loved ones
- Questions of meaning and priorities
What hypnosis can do
Preparation for medical procedures
Hypnosis can reduce anticipatory anxiety symptoms before surgery, a biopsy, a chemotherapy or radiotherapy session. Targeted suggestions prepare the mind for the procedure and can ease recovery.
Pain and side effects
Pain modulation through hypnosis is one of its best-documented applications. It can also reduce nausea and attenuate certain side effects that are difficult to manage day to day.
Anxiety symptoms and sleep
Anxiety symptoms in the face of uncertainty are among the hardest dimensions of serious illness. Hypnosis acts directly on the nervous system, reduces chronic activation and helps restore more stable sleep.
Self-hypnosis
I teach self-hypnosis techniques adapted to your situation so you can use them on your own — before a procedure, during a difficult night, or when anxiety symptoms rise.
What coaching can offer
Clarifying priorities
Serious illness often forces a rethink of what really matters. Coaching provides a space to explore these questions without pressure and without a right answer expected.
Maintaining a sense of control
Much is outside your control with a serious illness. Coaching helps identify the areas where you still have agency — small daily decisions, limits to set, activities that remain possible.
Navigating relationships
Illness changes dynamics with loved ones, who often do not know how to act. Coaching helps name your needs and communicate more clearly with the people around you.
What this support is not
My support does not substitute for medical, oncological or psychological care. It is complementary. I do not diagnose, I do not assess disease progression, and I do not replace a psychologist or social worker specializing in oncology.
If you need clinical psychological support — severe depression, suicidal ideation — I will direct you to the appropriate resources.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is often during active treatments that support is most useful — to manage pre-procedure anxiety symptoms, difficult nights, and the emotional side effects. You do not have to wait until treatments are finished.
Both are valid. I support both people who are ill and their loved ones, who are also going through something hard — often in the background, without a space to say what they are going through.
That is a legitimate concern. The Ericksonian hypnosis I use is gentle and respectful. You remain in control at all times. During the first discovery call, we discuss your specific situation so I can adapt the approach to where you are.
Some group insurance plans cover coaching or hypnotherapy sessions. I can issue receipts with the appropriate professional titles, including certified hypnologist in Quebec and MARA-certified member of Groupe RITMA. Check with your insurer.
Going through something difficult?
A free 30-minute discovery call to talk about your situation and see what I can offer.
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