Guided Imagery Kaitlyn J Dunlap Malone University What

Guided Imagery Kaitlyn J. Dunlap Malone University

What is guided imagery? • Guided imagery is intended to induce a generalized state of deep relaxation. • Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process.

What is guided imagery? • Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body • and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel. Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth. Many people salivate when they do this. This exercise demonstrates how your body can respond to what you are imagining.

What is guided imagery? • You can achieve a relaxed state when you imagine all the details of a safe, comfortable place, such as a beach or a garden. This relaxed state may aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance. It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitude, health, and sense of wellbeing. • Guided imagery is safe. No known risks are associated with it. Guided imagery is most effective when the person teaching it has training in guided imagery techniques.

Who invented guided imagery? • The history of guided imagery dates back to ancient times. Its exact origins have not been traced, but evidence of its use has been found in ancient civilizations on every continent. Many of these ancient civilizations used guided imagery in healing ceremonies. • The modern use of guided imagery began in the early 1970 s. Some of the key players include Irving Oyle, Carl and Stephanie Simonton, Robert Assagioli, Dr. Martin Rossman and Dr. David Bresler. • Drs. Rossman and Bresler began researching and perfecting this technique. Their research, along with that of others, led to the development of the Academy for Guided Imagery in 1989. The academy is dedicated to physician education and continued public awareness of guided imagery.

What is the purpose for guided imagery? • Guided imagery has many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress. You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain, and promote healing. Using guided imagery can even help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking.

Can guided imagery be beneficial in the counseling process? • Yes! • As a counselor, providing a client or student with • a guided imagery recording may help them learn relaxation techniques when dealing with stressful situations or anxiety. Dr. Fordyce has worked with clients whose blood pressure and anxiety have decreased just by practicing guided imagery on a daily basis. – Dr. Fordyce – personal experience with guided imagery

Let’s try guided imagery! • The guided imagery we will be participating in is • • • an 18 minute retreat. The CD was created by Barbara Fordyce, Ph. D, a local psychologist in the Canton area. To get the full and most relaxing experience, it is encouraged that you lie down on the floor or get in a comfortable position at your desk. You should close your eyes and try to take a few deep breaths to relax your body for the session. – heart rate and breathing – falling asleep

Resources "Guided Imagery to Help With Pain. " Guided Imagery to Help With Pain. Web. MD, 30 June 2009. Web. 01 May 2013. "Theory and History. " Guided Imagery to Help With Pain. Spiritualist Resources, 2012. Web. 01 May 2013.