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 GUIDED IMAGERY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF GUIDED IMAGERY 
Guided imagery involves the use of specific, directed thoughts and images to move an individual’s mental state to one of relaxation and focus.   Through the use of imagery, visualizations, and meditation, the power of the individual’s mind is tapped and can be utilized to attain improvement in a variety of areas, including personal health, motivation, self-regard, performance, and life satisfaction.

Guided imagery may be conducted in a variety of ways.  Although many individuals are helped through live sessions with a guided imagery practitioner, tapes and scripts may also be utilized.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS THAT GUIDED IMAGERY MAY BE HELPFUL FOR

- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Facilitating physical healing and wellness
- Managing and improving chronic pain
- Attaining peak athletic and work performance
- Enhancing creativity
- Increasing self-esteem
- Improving confidence
- Enhancing personal relationships
- Increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments
- Enjoying a greater sense of balance in life

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF GUIDED IMAGERY
Guided imagery has been used for thousands of years in a variety of cultures.  It has a strong history in Native American cultures but has also been noted in ancient Hindu, Jewish, and Christian practices, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine and healing.

The early 1900s witnessed the beginning of modern day uses of guided imagery, as Freud and his followers began basing their concepts upon the daydreams and fantasies of their clients.  In the 1920s other practitioners began using daydreams in their therapeutic work, and psychologist Desoille called this use in his own practice the “guided daydream.”

The 1940s saw further refinement of these techniques as Jacob Morena began using psychodrama to treat clients.  Other individuals were used to represent important people in the client’s life, and his issues were enacted on a stage.  This process is now seen as a means of outwardly displaying the client’s internal images.

Twenty years later Joseph Wolpe began to use imagery in behavior modification treatment, such as systematic desensitization and using averse images to reroute an individual’s behavior.

Today guided imagery is used in a variety of clinical settings by a diverse group of practitioners.  It has gained acceptance and widespread use in both the mental health and conventional medial settings.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF GUIDED IMAGERY
Guided imagery rests upon the belief that the mind and the body are entwined.  When an individual uses his mind to generate an image, the body has specific physiological reactions.  An example of is imagining biting into a lemon and noticing the accompanying physical reaction of the mouth watering.  Just as this response is automatic, guided imagery may be used to prompt the body to engage in healing, relaxation, stress release, and improvement of all functioning.

By visualizing the aspects of a pleasant, secure, healing environment, the body can be induced to ease into a state of relaxation.  This state may facilitate higher levels of physical and mental performance, as well as enhance feelings of control over one’s emotional state.  The final result of this may be improved satisfaction with life, health, and wellbeing.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF GUIDED IMAGERY IS LIKE
Guided imagery may last approximately 10 to 60 minutes.  A client generally sits or reclines in a comfortable chair, fully clothed.  The client is first directed to attain a deep state of relaxation through a breathing and muscle relaxation exercises.  The client is directed to close his eyes and become aware of his breathing.  The client may then be directed to begin relaxing from the tip of the toes, working up to the top of the head.  Neutral background music is often utilized, such as running water, nature sounds, or other relaxing music.

After substantial relaxation is achieved the therapist may begin directing the imagery.  The specific images used are highly variable and based upon the client’s goals and presenting issues.  Frequently used images concern relaxation, healing and body repair, neutralization of pain, and rehearsal of a stressful task, such as public speaking.

Who does it?
GUIDED IMAGERY PRACTITIONERS
Currently no licensure or certification exists for practitioners of guided imagery; however, many who use guided therapy techniques maintain licensure in related areas such as mental health, nursing, hypnosis, or physical therapy.  Various training and education for guided imagery practitioners exists.