Guided%20Imagery

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Guided Imagery

• Kaitlyn J. Dunlap
• Malone University

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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.

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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.

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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
  well-being.
• 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.

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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 1970s. 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.

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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.

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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

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Lets try guided imagery!

• The guided imagery we will be participating in is
  an 18 minute retreat.
• The CD was created by Barbara Fordyce, PhD, 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

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Resources

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