By Klaus Ulbrich
Klaus Ulbrich presents an experiential report on hypnosis in palliative care. He makes clear that hypnosis is not a miracle cure, especially not in advanced serious illness, but a method that can activate psychological and bodily resources.
In the first case, a palliative patient uses hypnosis to review his life, address questions of guilt and reconnect with an inner experience of freedom. The patient later feels deeply released, resumes chemotherapy and lives for another eleven months, including a cruise with his son. The author connects this with Cicely Saunders’ idea of adding life to days.
The second case describes visits to a severely ill nursing home resident. Through calm speech, touch, breathing exercises and the suggestion “Deep peace fills my soul,” the author gradually establishes contact and helps reduce agitation and episodes of breathlessness. The patient dies peacefully during the night without further suffocation attacks.
The article presents hypnosis as a supportive, relational and resource-oriented approach. It does not replace medical care, but can help people find calm, peace, acceptance and access to inner strengths in the last phase of life.
