O. Carl Simonton, M.D. (1942-2009)
O. Carl Simonton, M.D. (1942-2009)
Pioneer of Psychosocial Oncology
and Founder of the Simonton Program/Method
Dr. O. Carl Simonton was a world-famous physician, radiation oncologist who earned his fame through his pioneering work in exploring and addressing the psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral factors in recovering from cancer. In April 2021, in multiple places around the globe, there were celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Simonton Program. People from Japan, Poland, Germany, Italy, Austria, South Africa, and the USA reminisced on its founder Dr. O. Carl Simonton, and how his work and philosophy affected them.
Born on June 29, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, he dedicated his life to the development and refinement of interventions for cancer patients and their families. Dr. Simonton’s work focused on the interface between cognitions (thoughts, beliefs, imagery, and attitudes), emotions, behavior, and health, particularly in the context of cancer.
During his medical residency in radiation therapy, Dr. Simonton observed that many of his patients did not participate in a research project aimed at improving anticancer effectiveness and reducing side effects. He discovered that the underlying factor inhibiting their participation was a sense of hopelessness. This realization led him to explore the application of mental imagery in motivational psychology, which he learned from his then-wife, psychologist Stephanie Matthews-Simonton. Inspired by the positive impact of imagining desirable outcomes on financial results in business, Dr. Simonton began applying these concepts to cancer patients.
In 1971, Dr. Simonton had a breakthrough with a particular patient who not only recovered despite a grim prognosis but also experienced no side effects from a high dose of radiation. This patient’s case highlighted the potential of Dr. Simonton’s approach beyond cancer, as they also applied the same techniques to recover from other ailments. This realization prompted him to further explore the mind-body connection in health and dedicate himself to the development of interventions for cancer patients.
As chief of radiation therapy at Travis Air Force Base in California, Dr. Simonton introduced psychological counseling as a standard approach to all cancer patients. He also expanded this approach to include primary support persons, such as family members and friends, in counseling sessions. This innovative inclusion recognized the importance of involving the patient’s support system in their healing journey.
Dr. Simonton’s approach (known as the Simonton Method or Program) went beyond a simplistic understanding of visualization and mental imagery. He emphasized that imagining was a natural process that occurred in everyone’s lives and that individuals had their own unique ways of using their imagination. He developed techniques to explore, evaluate, and transform cognitions in a healthy direction, incorporating individualized mental imagery exercises based on a person’s style, symbolism, and needs. His patients applied their imagination in ways that promoted stress reduction, engagement in joyful activities, expansion of social support, improved communication with loved ones, and overall well-being.
Despite facing criticism from the medical establishment and experiencing professional and personal consequences, Dr. Simonton remained dedicated to his psychotherapeutic approach. He moved his center from Texas to California and accepted more engagements for work in other countries, establishing training centers for Simontonian Therapy in several nations. Driven by his passion and commitment, he continued refining his approach and integrating new insights and techniques.
Dr. Simonton’s contributions extended beyond his therapeutic approach. In 1985, he introduced cognitive-behavioral therapy to psycho-oncology, integrating techniques from Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) developed by Dr. Maxie C. Maultsby Jr. This integration enhanced the therapeutic process and allowed patients to address not only common emotional problems but also deeper spiritual, religious, philosophical, or existential beliefs. Dr. Simonton saw addressing these issues as crucial in providing comfort during existential crises and considered spiritual and existential pain to be the most severe suffering a person could experience.
Throughout his career, Dr. Simonton sought to empower patients and promote their autonomy in the treatment process. He advocated for a holistic approach that encompassed all aspects of a person’s life affected by cancer, including cognitive, behavioral, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical domains. His therapy aimed to improve the quality of life in the present moment, reduce stress and suffering, and enhance the chances of survival and recovery.
Dr. Simonton’s work impacted not only the individuals he treated but also the field of psycho-oncology as a whole. His innovative ideas and practices have inspired countless healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients around the world. Dr. Simonton authored several books, including the influential “Getting Well Again,” which reached millions of people and provided hope and guidance to those facing cancer.
Dr. O. Carl Simonton passed away on June 17, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and dedication. His work continues to shape the field of psychosocial oncology and serves as a reminder of the profound impact that psychological and emotional factors can have on the healing process. His pioneering efforts in combining psychological interventions with conventional cancer treatment have contributed to improving the lives of countless individuals and their loved ones.
References
- Achterberg, J., Lawlis, G. F., Simonton, O. C., & Matthews-Simonton, S. (1977). Psychological factors and blood chemistries as disease outcome predictors for cancer patients. Multivariate Experimental Clinical Research, 3(3), 107–122. Retrieved from http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/616267652?accountid=14749
- Achterberg, J., Matthews-Simonton, S., & Simonton, O. C. (1977). Psychology of the exceptional cancer patient: A description of patients who outlive predicted life expectancies. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 14(4), 416–422. http://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0087514
- Adler, N. E., Page, A. (Ann E. K. ., & Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Committee on Psychosocial Services to Cancer Patients/Families in a Community Setting. (2008). Cancer Care for the Whole Patient : Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs. National Academies Press.
- Andersen, B. L., Thornton, L. M., Shapiro, C. L., Farrar, W. B., Mundy, B. L., Yang, H.-C., & Carson, W. E. (2010). Biobehavioral, immune, and health benefits following recurrence for psychological intervention participants. Clinical Cancer Research : An Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, 16(12), 3270–8. http://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-10-0278
- Andersen, B. L., Yang, H.-C., Farrar, W. B., Golden-Kreutz, D. M., Emery, C. F., Thornton, L. M., … Carson, W. E. (2008). Psychologic intervention improves survival for breast cancer patients: a randomized clinical trial. Cancer, 113(12), 3450–8. http://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.23969
- Bittman, B. B., Berk, L. S., Felten, D. L., Westengard, J., Simonton, O. C., Pappas, J., & Ninehouser, M. (2001). Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 7(1), 38–47. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11191041
- Chang, A., Sloan, E. K., Antoni, M. H., Knight, J. M., Telles, R., & Lutgendorf, S. K. (2022). Biobehavioral Pathways and Cancer Progression: Insights for Improving Well-Being and Cancer Outcomes. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 21, 153473542210960. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354221096081
- Doerfler, H. (2010). Bereit sein zu sterben: Carl Simontons Psychoonkologie trifft auf Peter Fenners Radiant Mind. Connection, (11), 26–31. Retrieved from http://archiv.connection.de/index.php/magazintexte/spirits/1004-connection-spirit-1110
- Fawzy, F. I., Fawzy, N. W., Hyun, C. S., Elashoff, R., Guthrie, D., Fahey, J. L., & Morton, D. L. (1993). Malignant melanoma. Effects of an early structured psychiatric intervention, coping, and affective state on recurrence and survival 6 years later. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50(9), 681–9. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8357293
- Fenner, P. (2007). Radiant mind: Awakening unconditioned awareness. Sounds True.
- Jelvehzadeh, F., Dogaheh, E. R., Bernstein, C., Shakiba, S., & Ranjbar, H. (2021). The effect of a group cognitive behavioral therapy on the quality of life and emotional disturbance of women with breast cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer 2021, 1, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00520-021-06421-4
- Küchler, T., Bestmann, B., Rappat, S., Henne-Bruns, D., & Wood-Dauphinee, S. (2007). Impact of psychotherapeutic support for patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery: 10-year survival results of a randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 25(19), 2702–8. http://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2006.08.2883
- Listed, N. authors. (1982). Unproven Methods of Cancer Management: O. Carl Simonton, M.D. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 32(1), 58–61. http://doi.org/10.3322/canjclin.32.1.58
- Lutgendorf, S. K., & Andersen, B. L. (2015). Biobehavioral approaches to cancer progression and survival: Mechanisms and interventions. The American Psychologist, 70(2), 186–97. http://doi.org/10.1037/a0035730
- Maultsby Jr, M. C. (1971). Rational emotive imagery. Rational Living, 6(1), 24–27. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=1972-10965-001&site=ehost-live
- Maultsby Jr, M. C. (1984). Rational Behavior Therapy. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall.
- Prendergast, J., Fenner, P., & Krystal, S. (2003). The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy. Paragon House.
- Simonton, O. C., & Matthews-Simonton, S. (1981). Cancer and stress: counselling the cancer patient. The Medical Journal of Australia, 1(13), 679, 682–3. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7278751
- Simonton, O. C., Matthews-Simonton, S., & Creighton, J. L. (1978). Getting Well Again: a step-by-step, self-help guide to overcoming cancer for patients and their families. New York, NY: Tarcher.
- Simonton, O. C., Matthews-Simonton, S., & Sparks, T. F. (1980). Psychological intervention in the treatment of cancer. Psychosomatics, 21(3), 226–7, 231–3. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7367569
- Simonton, O. C., & Simonton, S. S. (1975a). Belief systems and management of the emotional aspects of malignancy. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 7(1), 29. Retrieved from http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1312129327?accountid=14749
- Simonton, O. C., & Simonton, S. S. (1975b). Belief systems and management of the emotional aspects of malignancy. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 7(1), 29. Retrieved from http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1312129327?accountid=14749
- Spiegel, D. (2012). Mind matters in cancer survival. Psycho-Oncology, 21(6), 588–93. http://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3067
- Spiegel, D., Bloom, J. R., Kraemer, H. C., & Gottheil, E. (1989). Effect of psychosocial treatment on survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Lancet, 2(8668), 888–91. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2571815
- Stagl, J. M., Lechner, S. C., Carver, C. S., Bouchard, L. C., Gudenkauf, L. M., Jutagir, D. R., … Antoni, M. H. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral stress management in breast cancer: survival and recurrence at 11-year follow-up. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 154(2), 319–28. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-015-3626-6
- Wirga, M. (2012). Suffering: Its anatomy, physiology and mystique demystified from the Nondual Medicine Perspective. In J. Binnebesel, Z. Formella, P. Krakowiak, & Z. Domzal (Eds.), Experiencing a suffering (Vol. 1, pp. 121–147). Rome: LAS – Libreria Ateneo Salesiano.
- Wirga, M. (2016). Maxie C. Maultsby Jr. 1932–2016. Psychoonkologia, 20(3), 154–157. http://doi.org/10.5114/PSON.2016.65004
- Wirga, M., & Stępniewska-Gębik, H. (2017). Healthy parental hope in the face of child’s cancer – the role of non-attachment to outcome. Psychoonkologia, 21(4), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.5114/pson.2017.77548
Other work authored or co-authored by Dr. Carl Simonton
- Simonton, O. Carl, "Psychooncology", The Need for International Standards in Counseling and Training: CoMed, August, 2001
- Simonton, O. Carl, "Hope & Health", Coping Magazine. June, 2000 p. 18-19
- Simonton, O. Carl. "Psychoneuroimmunology, the Mind, Counseling, and Cancer", Hypnos-Journal of European Society of Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine 1991, 4, Vol. XVLLL, p.177-181.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton Stephanie. "Cancer and Stress: Counseling the Cancer Patient" Medical Journal of Australia, 1981, 1 679-683.
- Sparks, TF, Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. "Counseling for the Terminally Ill", Osteopathic Annals, August 1980, 8 B, 23-34.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. & Sparks, TF "Psychological Etiology and Course of Disease" Trauma, February 1980, 5, 81-107.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. & Sparks, TF "The Role of Psychological Intervention in the Treatment of Cancer" Psychosomatics, March 1980, 21 (3), 226-233.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. & Sparks, TF "Psychological Treatment Modalities in Cancer" Journal of the International Academy of Preventive Medicine. 1979, 5 (2), 77-86.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. & Sparks, TF "The psychological Causes and the Psychological Treatment of Cancer" paper presented at the XII International Cancer Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 1978.
- Simonton, O. Carl: "Jogging and Cancer" In E. Joki (Ed.) Medicine and Sport, Switzerland. Karger, Basel, 1978.
- Achterberg, J., Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. "Psychology of the Exceptional Cancer Patient: A description of Patients Who Outlive Predicted Life Expectancies" Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice 1978, 14 (4)
- Achterberg, J., Simonton, O. Carl, & Matthews-Simonton, S. "Stress, Psychological Factors and Cancer" Dallas: New Medicine Press, 1976.
- Simonton, O. Carl, & Simonton, S. "Belief System and Management of the Emotional Aspects of Malignancy" Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 1975, 7 (1), 29-47.