Career
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.
