NOVEMBER 2003, VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2, Abstract 1
“Riding my Manta Ray with Uncle Fester”: Hypnosis for Managing Pain and Distress in a Dying Child
Belinda Goodenough, Psychologist, Centre for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
Jan Hardy, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Centre for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
Rhys Jarratt*
This case reports the application of hypnosis and visual imagery during palliative care for end-stage leukaemia in an 11-year-old boy. In a brief therapeutic engagement (single session), the treatment goals were specific symptom relief (e.g., pain, itch, sweating), and indentifying and managing negative affective states (e.g., anxiety, anger). Positive quality of life outcomes were observed in achieving rest and comfort, as well as regaining significant levels of mastery and control during the last ten days of hospital-based care.