Collaboration with Simonton and subsequent research
Achterberg was originally influenced by her collaboration with
O. Carl Simonton, a specialist in
radiology and
oncology, and a pioneer of
psycho-oncology.
Simonton worked with
cancer patients to develop strategies by which they could reduce the stress and distress precipitated by diagnosis and treatment, and enhance the capacity to perceive therapeutic interventions, including
radiotherapy, as a progressive process toward a successful outcome. Among Simonton's methods was the use of
creative visualization,
guided imagery and
guided meditation; and he observed an alleged correlation between patients' positive images of and thoughts about treatment, and its successful course and outcome.[5]
Achterberg subsequently researched the similarities and differences between the potential use of
imagery as an intervention
adjuvant to contemporary medicine, and its use in ancient indigenous healing rituals, particularly those she identified as part of a
shamanic tradition, which she described in her book Imagery in Healing.[6]
Achterberg, J., Imagery in healing: Shamanism and modern medicine. Shambhala Publications, 2013.
Achterberg, J, Woman as healer. Shambhala Publications, 2013.
Achterberg, J., Rituals of healing: Using imagery for health and wellness. Bantam, 1994.
Articles
Achterberg J, Cooke K, Richards T, Standish LJ, Kozak L, Lake J. Evidence for correlations between distant intentionality and brain function in recipients: a functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Dec;11(6):965-71.
Achterberg, J., Matthews-Simonton, S., and Simonton, O. C., Psychology of the exceptional cancer patient: A description of patients who outlive predicted life expectancies. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, Vol. 14, No. 4, 1977, p416.
Rider, Mark S., and Jeanne Achterberg. "Effect of music-assisted imagery on neutrophils and lymphocytes." Biofeedback and Self-regulation, Vol. 14, No. 3, 1989, pp247–257.
Achterberg, Jeanne. "The psychological dimensions of arthritis." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 50, No. 6, 1982, p984.
Gibbs, Harriett W., and Achterberg, J., Spiritual values and death anxiety: Implications for counseling with terminal cancer patients." Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 25, No. 6, 1978, p563.
Achterberg, J., G. Lawlis, F., O. Carl Simonton, and Matthews-Simonton, S., Psychological factors and blood chemistries as disease outcome predictors for cancer patients. Multivariate Experimental Clinical Research, 1977.
References
^Walach, H., Jean Achterberg Obituary. Forschende Komplementärmedizin, Vol. 19, 2012, p67.
Jean Achterberg Obituary
^Achterberg, J., and Lawlis, G. F., Imagery and Disease. Institute for Personality and Ability Testing, 1984.
^Association for Transpersonal Psychology Past Presidents
Jeanne Achterberg
^Nelson, V. J., O. Carl Simonton dies at 66; oncologist pioneered mind-body connection to fight cancer. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2009.
O. Carl Simonton Dies at 66.
^Moss, D., Mind-Body Medicine - In Memorium: Jeanne Achterberg, The Saybrook Forum, 3 August 2012.
Mind-Body Medicine.