Question:

I have attended a couple of your programs. At the one in Virginia and the Washington DC area, you mentioned some tips for the caregiver for your loved one with cancer.

It was a listing of 'helpful hints' for people/family who are impacted by the diagnosis of life-threatening cancer - i.e. setting boundaries with others who want to share their story...etc.

Would you be so kind as to repeat this?  As an oncology nurse manager, I have to assist the caregiver as well as the person with cancer during this process, and I thought what you were speaking about would be a help to them and their journey.

Thank you and be well

Tom

Question:
Dear Belleruth,
I am leaving soon for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, to provide mental health services to our military and their families. I have been in private practice for the last 6 years, and have used your book Invisible Heroes and CD's nearly daily. My question is this:
Do you have any advice for me as I begin this two year assignment?
Warm Regards,
Paul

Question:

Hi Belleruth, I love your CDs and use them personally and in my clinical practice. I would like to suggest that there is a great need for a guided imagery CD specifically designed for law enforcement personnel, to help them deal with trauma that they experience on the job on a regular basis.

I use EMDR with them to resolve trauma, but sometimes I would like to send them home with a more portable form of help for Critical Incident Stress outside of therapy sessions.
 
Although I use the Healing Trauma, Relieve Stress and Healthful Sleep CDs with my cop clients, sometimes they are just too "warm and fuzzy" for this population.
 
Please let me know what you think. I would be very glad to help with this if it becomes a reality. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

C. W., LMFT

Question:
I purchased your Healthy Pregnancy and Successful Childbirth MP3 set at the beginning of my pregnancy. I am now 21 weeks in and still do it whenever I find the time. The pregnancy set is very relaxing. Thank you. My question however is when do I begin to listen to the birthing set? Is this something I should begin in late pregnancy? Do I just listen to it when I go into labor? What are your suggestions? Thank you!

Jena  ~First time mother expecting a little turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

Question:
Any research on efficacy of guided imagery for managing Crohns Diseease?  My 20 year old daughter is recently diagnosed and I want to find resources for her.
Thank you.
Paul

Answer:

Dear Paul,

There’s nothing definitive - I can only find small pilot studies - but I can certainly point to some promising results from them.  One study out of the University of Manchester yielded excellent results with 15 patients suffering from severe inflammatory bowel disease, who were on corticosteroids but were not responding to their medication.  These patients were given “gut-focused hypnotherapy” (guided imagery) and were followed for an average of 5.4 years.

Question:  
I heard about your amazing CD`s. Five years ago I had thyroid cancer and now I have a lots of anxiety and fear from cancer.  Every exam that I need to have makes me to worry more and more and I can’t sleep and focus for months.  I worry all the time for different health problems.  If you have in mind one of your CDs that might help, please let me know. Thank you in advance.  
Olga

Hello! I am a student physical therapist and am working at one of my clinical rotations right now. I have noticed several patients could benefit from guided imagery to help them relax. Do you have any short sessions, between 10-15 minutes? Patients will often have a hot or cold pack, etc for 10-15 minutes and I would love to try a guided imagery session at the same time, since we shut the lights off anyways to help promote relaxation. Thank you for your time.
Karl

After our posting the study about how the practice of mindfulness meditation can improve working memory, we got this charming  inquiry from someone who felt her brain was turning to mush at her stressful job:

Question:

I am a police officer in the U.K. I have suffered with PTSD since August 2007, after I almost shot an unarmed man. Following this incident my life went down the toilet. I ruined my marriage and everything else in my life. i have received treatment for PTSD and dissociation. However, I have discovered that during 2008 I may have committed fraud by applying for loans and running up huge credit card bills, to which I have no knowledge of, but looking at all of the evidence it is quite clear that I may have done this. I really don't know what to do as PTSD is not well known in the U.K legal system and I may find myself in the criminal court, having to explain what has happened to me to 12 jury members that have never heard of PTSD. I just don't know what to do.

Can you please help me?
John

Question:

I have a question about guided imagery and hypnosis.  I am a counselor, and teach meditation, and am certified in with the National Guild of Hypnotists.  However, I am more interested in meditation than hypnosis as a healing tool for a few different reasons.  My question is: Do you believe one can one get the same healing benefits with GI/guided meditation (or self-hypnosis) as with hypnosis?  The reason I wonder is it may seem that, or most hypnotists believe that one goes into deeper states with hypnosis.  Any information or referrals would be very helpful here.  Thank you!!

Peter