With the recent release of the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar, some curiosity has arisen around the term "Hirsch therapy." In the show, "Hirsch therapy" is portrayed as an alternative cancer treatment, loosely inspired by real-life but scientifically unproven methods such as Gerson therapy. Our Hirsch Therapy, on the other hand, is a professional mental health practice dedicated to evidence-based counselling for individuals and couples based in Singapore.
This article aims to clarify the distinction between the fictional "Hirsch therapy" and our professional counselling services, ensuring that anyone passing through here gets the information they are looking for and the support that they need.
Content:
Gerson Therapy Explained: The Hirsch therapy of the Netflix series
According to the National Cancer Institute, Gerson Therapy is an alternative treatment regimen developed by Dr. Max B. Gerson (1881–1959), initially to treat his own migraine headaches. By the 1930s, it gained public attention as a treatment for tuberculosis and was later adapted for use in treating cancer and other chronic diseases. The Gerson theory is based on the idea that disease results from toxicity and nutritional imbalance in the body and that restoring health requires detoxification, immune system support, and cellular regeneration.
Gerson Therapy is said to consist of three key components: diet, supplementation, and detoxification. The strict dietary regimen emphasizes organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes while being low in sodium and high in potassium. Fresh, raw juices are a cornerstone of the therapy, providing concentrated nutrients. Supplementation includes potassium, vitamin B12, thyroid hormone, and pancreatic enzymes, which are believed to aid in correcting cellular metabolism. Detoxification, particularly through coffee enemas, is promoted as a way to stimulate the liver, enhance metabolism, and eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
That sounds great, but does it hold water?
What Does The Research Say About Gerson Therapy?
According to our literature review, few clinical studies have been published on Gerson Therapy, and most of the available information comes from retrospective case reviews rather than controlled clinical trials. Dr. Max Gerson himself documented case histories of 50 patients, including notes and X-rays, but follow-ups were primarily anecdotal, relying on mail or phone contact. In reviews conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1947 and 1959, the available data from 60 patients treated by Dr. Gerson was found insufficient to demonstrate any clear benefit of the regimen.
Subsequent studies have provided limited and inconclusive findings. A 1983–1984 retrospective study of 38 patients treated with the Gerson Therapy relied on patient interviews rather than medical records and did not yield evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating cancer. Another retrospective study involving 153 melanoma patients treated with Gerson therapy found higher 5-year survival rates compared to typical survival statistics in medical literature. However, the study’s retrospective nature also limits its validity. Additionally, no clear mechanism can be identified to explain the observed survival advantage.
On top of the question of validity comes the question of risk. Coffee enemas, a component of Gerson therapy, are promoted as a means to detoxify the body and stimulate metabolism. However, medical professionals caution against their use due to several potential risks, such as:
Colitis (colon), Rectal Burns, and Tenesmus (frequent, painful urges to defecate, even when the bowels are empty
Bowel Perforation (tearing)
Before we move forward, we want to be clear that we are not medical professionals and don’t want to draw any conclusions for you. Your health is deeply personal, and we encourage you to consult your trusted medical doctor to make the best and most informed decision for yourself.
What we do know, however, is mental health.
Seeking Hope in a Difficult Time
You may have found this page out of curiosity, perhaps stirred by the Netflix series, or simply fact-checking. But if you're considering Gerson Therapy for healing, you may be in a place of deep uncertainty, hopelessness, fear, or desperation, searching for answers beyond what conventional medicine has provided.
When facing a serious illness, it’s only natural to seek hope wherever you can find it. When conventional treatments feel uncertain or when the prognosis feels overwhelming, the search for something—anything—that offers a sense of control can feel deeply empowering. You may be exploring alternative treatments not just because of what they promise but because you need to believe in the possibility of healing - in the chance that there is still something you can do. That longing for agency, for a path forward, is deeply human.
At Hirsch Therapy, we understand how frightening and isolating this journey can be. You might not just be dealing with a medical diagnosis but also navigating fear, grief, and the weight of uncertainty. We do not claim to have all the answers, nor do we offer false promises of a cure.
What we do offer is a space where your emotions, your hopes, and your struggles are heard and held with compassion. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Our role is to support you in making meaning, finding strength within yourself, and creating a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling - a life that retains its dignity - no matter what challenges lie ahead.
The Role of Psychotherapy in Your Journey
Facing a serious illness can be an overwhelming experience, bringing not just physical challenges but also deep emotional and psychological struggles. Fear, uncertainty, grief, and a search for meaning often accompany the medical journey, affecting both individuals and their relationships.
At Hirsch Therapy, we provide professional counselling for adults and couples, offering a compassionate space to process these emotions, strengthen resilience, and navigate the complexities of illness with clarity and support. Our approach integrates evidence-based therapies that help clients find stability, meaning, and connection, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you make space for difficult emotions rather than struggling against them. Instead of getting caught in cycles of fear or distress, ACT teaches mindfulness and values-based action—helping you focus on what truly matters, even in the face of uncertainty.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that our thoughts shape how we feel and react to challenges. When facing illness, it’s easy to fall into patterns of catastrophic thinking—fearing the worst, feeling powerless, or believing the situation to be hopeless. These thoughts shape our emotions and influence our behaviours, which, in turn, reinforce our beliefs. For example, withdrawing from loved ones out of fear of being a burden can deepen feelings of isolation, reinforcing the belief that support is unavailable. CBT helps identify and challenge these unhelpful thought patterns, replacing them with more balanced, constructive perspectives. By making small, intentional changes—such as staying socially engaged or practicing self-care—clients can break cycles of negativity and improve their emotional well-being.
Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl—a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist—focuses on meaning-making in suffering. In his books Man’s Search for Meaning, The Will to Meaning, and Yes to Life in Spite of Everything, Frankl argued that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can find purpose—not by eliminating suffering but by choosing how we respond to it. Through logotherapy, we explore what gives your life meaning, even in the face of illness, helping you move forward with strength and resilience.
For those navigating illness within a relationship, couples therapy offers a space to strengthen emotional connection, improve communication, and address the strain that a serious diagnosis can place on both partners.
Whether you are seeking support as an individual or as a couple, therapy can help you move forward with clarity and a renewed sense of meaning, allowing you to live fully, no matter what the future holds.
A Gentle Reminder: You Are Not Alone
Whether you came across this article for yourself, a loved one, or just out of curiosity, remember that you are not alone in facing life’s challenges. At Hirsch Therapy, we are deeply committed to supporting your mental health and emotional well-being, regardless of what your body may be going through. We understand that dealing with illness often means grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a deep longing for control. These feelings are not only natural but also part of the human experience. Our role is to walk with you, offering a compassionate, professional space to explore your emotions, find meaning, and reclaim your life.
Whether you choose individual therapy or couples therapy, our approach is grounded in evidence-based methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Logotherapy - all designed to help you find resilience, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.
We are here to help you strengthen your inner resources, improve your emotional connection with loved ones, and manage the psychological toll that illness can take. You don’t have to face this path in isolation.
Your mental health matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Reach out for a free 15-minute online consultation today to see if Hirsch Therapy would make a good match for you!
Comments