No Fears, No Tears
By Leora Kuttner, PhD
for the Canadian Cancer Society

In the mid-1980's, clinical psychologist Leora Kuttner spearheaded a pioneer pain management project for children with cancer. In No Fears, No Tears eight courageous children with cancer, aged three to twelve years old, demonstrated a variety of ways in which the natural abilities of the mind can be enlisted to help ease physical pain. With the support of parents and caregivers, they showed how hypnosis, behavioral distraction and visualization methods, and breathing techniques could make the disease itself, as well as the long series of uncomfortable or painful tests and treatments, bearable.

The film proved the strength of the human spirit, and the mind's natural ability to ease even excruciating physical pain. It demonstrated that even quite young children can learn to actively help themselves through taxing medical treatment.

Companion Film Available

In No Fears No Tears-13 Years Later, Kuttner revisits seven of the same children thirteen years later, to explore the long-term impact of having learned as a child how to deal with fear and pain. These now young adults still vividly recollect their painful childhood experiences, but they also describe how learning to master the pain has affected their lives today. Their stories dramatically challenge prevailing myths about childhood pain.

28 minutes
© 1986
Purchase $129 VHS / Purchase $129 DVD
Order No. QA-286
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-873-1

Reviews
"The material presented in these films demonstrates the power of teaching children to take an active role in coping with pain. It also shows the long-term impact of pain experiences in the young and the importance of taking those issues seriously. These videos would be useful additions to hospital libraries for patients and staff alike." Gary A. Walco, PhD, The David Center for Children's Pain and Palliative Care, UMDNJ

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