Review of For People With Cancer and For People Undergoing Chemotherapy

Reviewer: James Metz, MD
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: February 1, 2002

Author: Belleruth Naparstek
Publisher: Time Warner Audiobooks
Price: $12.00 (USA)

OncoLink Rating:

Belleruth Naparstek has been a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years and has developed an excellent reference on guided imagery entitled Staying well with Guided Imagery as well as numerous instructional audiotapes. She has done extensive research with patients, doctors, and nurses to produce this series. She first started making individual audiotapes for her patients, but the tapes became so popular that she produced a series dealing with specific situations and diseases. These two audiotapes are excellent introductions to guided imagery for the cancer patient.

Both tapes are narrated by Belleruth Naparstek. She has a soothing voice that helps the listener attain a relaxed state. There is relaxing music in background throughout each audiotape. She states that "these tapes are not a substitute for medical treatment, but a compliment to it. It allows you to become an active member in your medical care team." For People With Cancer consists of guided imagery on Side A. The goals of this tape are to relax the listener and clear the mind. The tape then attempts to engage your imagination. Finally it encourages you to experience a story during your guided imagery session. Side B contains 10 minutes of affirmations. These consist of positive statements to help the listener deal with negative thinking. There is relaxing music in the background on Side B also.

The tape entitled For People Undergoing Chemotherapy also contains guided imagery and affirmations. It was developed to relieve patient's anxiety about chemotherapy. Consider bringing a portable tape player with earphones to listen to the tape during your chemotherapy session.

Overall, the series of audiotapes is excellent. Belleruth Naparstek has produced a wonderful set of audiotapes. These two tapes are recommended for the cancer patient who is interested in an introduction to guided imagery. There are additional tapes in the series, which deal with more specific issues such as pain, anxiety, grief, and depression.