Guided Imagery
Introduction
Guided imagery is a form of visualization and imagery
technique that allows a patient to explore relaxation through dream
interpretation, drawing, story-telling and other fantasy driven practices. Although
this was once known as an alternative approach, it is now being used commonly
to help people relax their body and mind through psychophysiological therapy. This
form of treatment helps clients manage anxiety, physical pain and psychological
symptoms such as depression. It can prevent patients from participating in some
habits that are dangerous to their health. Before a patient undergoes surgery
this is also a common preparation method. The rituals that are associated with
this form of treatment are considered to be one of the oldest forms of applied medicine
performed in different cultures.
Goals
of Guided Imagery
The client benefits from guided imagery because the
treatment allows the patient to reflect inward, looking at who they are and how
much they deserve in life and in goals. The mental images that are encouraged
to the patient help them in realizing how much power they have in caring for
their own body and mind. This form of therapy helps cradle their beliefs and
attitude which in turn has the capacity to help them in dealing with physical
symptoms. This also helps the client mobilize their unconscious and achieve personal
goals. It is for the purpose of strengthening a person through powerful
imagination and emotional focus. The patient has the capacity to create their
own thoughts and build a life for themselves because of the way that they have
learned to manipulate their mind and attitude. The goal of this therapy is to use
imagination to take over the body and create advancement in the patient's overall
wellbeing. Guided imagery incorporates all senses, not just mental activity.
When used correctly it has a powerful effect on the body, mind and spirit.
When
is Guided Therapy Used?
Treatment is used to help people who may deal with severe
anxiety, depression and other behavioral problems. It is used often with
patients who have a difficult time relaxing, controlling emotions, preparing
their mind for change or eliminating bad habits. Guided
therapy can assist people in controlling physical pain, learning new behavior
and increasing motivation. It helps the patient deal with stress which can be
burdensome on the physical body.
This form of therapy helps many in dealing with social
phobias, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive behavior, sexual dysfunction,
bad habits and stuttering. It's used to treat children who suffer from behavioral
disorders as well. Individuals who want to achieve a certain trade or those who
want to improve their motor skills may use guided imagery to do so.
Visualization in coordination with these behavioral techniques can help many
people overcome personal conflicts that they face in their personal lives, work
place environment and in their relationships with others.
How
Guided Imagery Works
Before guided imagery begins, an assessment of the client's
issues or goals is one of the most important elements of the therapy – not only
in the beginning of the session but during the visualization process. This
assessment is for the purpose of ensuring that the therapist is focusing on the
right mental or behavioral issues. Developmental history, past events, medical
history and goals are often questioned. There are many cases in which the
client has experienced issues in the past and has seen a therapist before for
medical reasons. They may have turned to this form of therapy to prioritize
their medical or personal goals. After the assessment the therapist will
explain to the client what imagery techniques to use and how it will help them in
correcting a given behavior. In order to enhance their visuals it's important to
use all five senses. Using more than just thoughts allows the client to feel
the experience instead of just see it. The therapist will speak to the client about
visuals and help them find a therapeutic image and thought process. After a
scene has been constructed the therapist guides the client through relaxing verbal
phrases.
Criticisms
of Guided Therapy
Being that guided therapy is a therapeutic formulation it can treat clients who suffer from a degree of conditions. Every client reacts differently to the technique. In rare cases imagery or rational emotive therapy can result in a higher level of anxiety in some individuals. If the patients are experiencing asthma attacks, seizures, suicidal thoughts, cardiac related conditions, hysteria, and severe psychological disorders or they are pregnant – discretion is advised. If the technique is causing an unhealthy reaction, the therapist is likely to try out a different strategy that does not trigger severe anxiety.
References
Guided imagery. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/integrativemedicine/guided_imagery_facts.aspx
Warren, C. (2002). Guided imagery / visualization uses with the cancer patron. Retrieved from http://www.selu.com/cancerlib/guidedimagery.html
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