Give someone who has faith in you a placebo and call it a hair

Host:
The room felt warm, the low hum of the city outside muted by the soft lighting of the evening. Jack sat at the desk, his fingers absentmindedly tapping on a notepad, while Jeeny, sitting across from him, had her legs curled under her, gazing at the window. There was an air of quiet contemplation, as if they were both processing something deeper.

Jeeny:
(She glances at Jack, her voice thoughtful.)
“I came across a quote by Bernie Siegel today. He said, ‘Give someone who has faith in you a placebo and call it a hair growing pill, anti-nausea pill or whatever, and you will be amazed at how many respond to your therapy.’ It made me think about the power of belief — how much our mind and faith can influence our bodies and even our healing. What do you think? Do you think belief can actually change the way we feel or heal?”

Jack:
(He looks up, his expression reflective, almost intrigued by the question.)
“That’s an interesting point. The placebo effect is something I’ve heard about before, but when you really think about it, it’s incredible how much our beliefs and our mindset can influence our physical health. It’s like the mind has this power to heal or shape our experience, even if the treatment itself doesn’t actually have any real medicinal value. When you have faith in something — whether it’s a pill, a treatment, or even a person — it seems like your body can respond positively because of that belief.”

Jeeny:
(She nods, her voice gentle, almost as if reflecting on her own experiences.)
“Exactly. It’s not that the pill itself has magic power; it’s the power of faith in the treatment, in the process, or in the person delivering it. I think it speaks to how connected the mind and body really are. When we believe something will work, we’re more likely to experience the outcome we’re expecting. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we trust in the process, it activates something deeper within us, and that belief can help our bodies react in a positive way.”

Jack:
(He leans back in his chair, his tone reflective, as if he's delving into the idea more deeply.)
“You know, it’s fascinating. The placebo effect shows just how powerful our perception of reality can be. If you have someone who truly believes in the effectiveness of something, even if it’s just a sugar pill, their mind can signal their body to heal or feel better. It’s almost like the mind is sending messages to the body, telling it to respond as though the treatment is working, even when it isn’t. That’s the kind of power belief holds.”

Jeeny:
(She smiles softly, her voice reassuring but also slightly amused by the idea.)
“It’s almost like we’re more than just our physical selves. Our emotions, our thoughts, and our beliefs are just as important as the physical treatments we receive. Sometimes, what we need most is not just a cure, but the confidence that we are supported — that we have the faith of someone else or even the faith in ourselves. And that belief can make all the difference in how we heal, or how we experience life.”

Jack:
(Smiling faintly, his voice gentler now, almost coming to a realization.)
“Right. It’s like having someone believe in you, whether they’re giving you a pill or just offering support, creates this psychological safety net. And when you feel safe and supported, you’re more likely to feel stronger, more capable of tackling whatever comes your way. There’s a deeper, almost unspoken power in belief, both from others and from within ourselves.”

Jeeny:
(She nods thoughtfully, her voice calm yet filled with understanding.)
“Exactly. It’s not always about the physical treatment. Sometimes, what we really need is the confidence that we’re cared for, that we have a support system. And when we feel that faith — whether it’s from someone else or from our own self-belief — it can trigger healing in ways we don’t always see. It’s a reminder of the mind-body connection and how much power we have when we truly believe.”

Host:
The conversation lingers, both Jack and Jeeny reflecting on the deep connection between mind and body, belief and healing. There’s a quiet understanding that faith — in others, in ourselves, and in the process — holds immense power. The world outside continues its steady pace, but inside, there’s a shared realization: the mind’s belief can influence reality in ways that go beyond logic or science. When we truly trust, whether it’s in a treatment, a person, or ourselves, that belief can be a powerful catalyst for healing.