When you or someone you love have been touched by cancer, it can be an emotional, challenging and confusing time — but we are here to help.
The Simonton Cancer Center helps provide information, resources and retreats for cancer patients, based in the field of psycho-neuroimmunology and the science of mind-body medicine.
The Simonton Cancer Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and lives of cancer patients and their families through psycho-social oncology. The Simonton Cancer Center has helped tens of thousands of patients and their families and still attracts national and worldwide attention. Thanks to our expertly trained and committed staff, we are able to continue this visionary work.
For over 48 years, the Simonton Cancer Center has been a leader in the scientifically proven mind-body approach for treating cancer patients. The Center’s integrated program was the first of its kind in the world, and was pioneered by the physician most often considered the “father of mind-body medicine” for cancer-radiation oncologist, O. Carl Simonton, MD.
Based in the field of Psycho-neuroimmunology, the Simonton method focuses on interactions between the mind and the body — how beliefs, attitudes, lifestyle choices, spiritual and psychological perspectives impact our physiology and immune function, and how they can dramatically affect health, the course of disease, and our overall well-being.
The Simonton Cancer Center offers an internationally acclaimed training program in cancer counseling which offers an in-depth, personal, hands-on experience in counseling patients with cancer, conducting support groups or sessions, as well as effectively resolving crises encountered by patients and their support persons. The Simonton Cancer Center is an international organization using the agreed upon international counseling standards for cancer patients. The Simonton Cancer Center is also the only international certifying body for the SCC certification of counselors for cancer patients.
The Simonton Method in its current, most evolved form may be described as a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral self-help therapy for patients with cancer and their support persons. This approach is comprehensive because it directly addresses all spheres of human existence: emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social and spiritual integrated in an internally consistent program. The therapeutic interventions are based on modern learning theory as well as ancient teachings. These include individual, group, family and social counseling as well as education in self-help skills that patients and their support persons may use to effectively resolve problems in all areas of their lives. The training experience is very enriching for therapists of different orientations and can easily be applied in counseling of any group of people facing problems of life threatening proportions.
This training program is currently offered in Santa Barbara (California), Japan, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany. It is organized around five-day residential patient sessions under the leadership of certified teaching and supervising therapists.
At the heart of the Center’s mission is the world renown “Getting Well Again” Program, a five-day retreat based on Dr. Simonton’s successful model for emotional and stress intervention, patient education, and support.
New Patient Program
The SCC New Patient Program is based on the successful model for emotional intervention and support which Dr. Simonton pioneered in the treatment of cancer patients. It evolved from the concept that beliefs, emotions, attitudes, stress and lifestyles are important factors influencing health.
When illness occurs, these factors also influence one’s response to medical treatment and help to determine the effectiveness of the treatment as well as the level of confidence in your medical team.
The format is a 5 1/2 day educational and psycho-therapeutic session for cancer patients and their support person, using a modified cognitive-based approach as well as other modalities. These concepts are explored in a safe and supportive environment conducive to learning and positive change.
In these program you will discover and learn tools and techniques to:
- Enhance your physical and mental health
- Manage symptoms associated with pain and fear
- Be more effective in your communication-with loved ones and your medical team
- Develop healthier beliefs about your cancer, your treatments and your future
- Create a 2-year Health Plan
- Resolve emotional distress
- Use the power of the mind and the imagination to assist in your healing
- Integrate matters of life and death
- Use your inner wisdom to strengthen your hope and determination
- Address spiritual issues
- Reduce stress
The work includes lectures, small group work and individual sessions based on need. Occasional evening programs are provided throughout the week.
For more information, please call 800 459 3424 or 818 879 7904.
Click here to learn more about our programs
Simonton Cancer Center
29160 Heathercliff Road, #6607
Malibu, California 90265
(800) 459-3424
(818) 879-7904
[email protected]
Lori says
This is an awesome team of caring and talented people who are dedicated to one focus… people with cancer. They show you techniques to understand that although you have cancer, cancer does NOT have you!
Lori Steele
Survivor stage 4 lung cancer