Haptotherapy for patients with cancer; experience of haptotherapists and reasons for consultation: A survey among haptotherapists

Haptotherapy is a type of mind-body therapy that makes use affective touch. This study aims to provide insights in reasons for haptotherapy patients with cancer, and experiences haptotherapists these patients. In cross-sectional study, survey was conducted among 536 Dutch haptotherapists. Multiple-choice open-ended questions were analyzed both quantitatively qualitatively. Of 272 (50.7%) responding haptotherapists, 167 (61.5%) had experience treating people cancer. Most frequently, combinations emotional problems disturbed body reported as haptotherapy. Haptotherapists emphasized the need touch restore patients’ connection. Two-thirds respondents treat addressing interaction mind. Reasons consultation cover wide range multiple dimensions, which combination mentioned most often.