FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Guided Imagery?

A client is talked into a light, relaxed state, then is directed by a therapist to "see" a specific situation or circumstance in his mind, and then to allow the imagination to unfold a story. It's much like having a dream in an awake state. The story is literally tapping into the subconscious, where much truth can be learned. The process is lead by the client's subconscious insights and not by the Therapist. The Therapist provides the tools to interpret your experience and therefore learn the lessons your subconscious is trying to offer you.

Is Guided Imagery a new technique?

No, Imagery has been around for hundreds of years and has been known by many names. Both Freud and Jung used types of imagery.

In 1997, an estimated 23 million visits were made to guided-imagery practitioners, according to a study of complementary-care usage by David Eisenberg, M.D., author of Guided Imagery for Self-Healing. He believes that the number of people visiting practitioners and using tapes, books and CD's is even higher today - and not just for psychological issues like addictions, depression and anxiety. Physiological applications are also on the rise, thanks to studies showing that the nervous, circulatory, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems all respond to imagery.

Why is Guided Imagery so effective?

It operates on the premise that the mind, body, and spirit are connected. What the mind hears, it believes, and the body then follows that direction. The body knows how to operate at optimal health. There is not a single drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that the body cannot naturally produce. Somehow, through trauma or negative talk, the mind has gotten in the way and disrupted the normal function of the body. Guided Imagery talks directly to the subconscious to reprogram the body. The body being the obedient servant obeys and the healing begins.

Can Guided Imagery be combined with regular Western Medicine?

Absolutely. Using imagery to talk to the body, you can tap into the subconscious with powerful suggestions to accept any medication or surgical procedure with less stress and far less side effects. During this meditative process, science is proving that the heart rate slows down, the pulse is lowered, and the immune system is actually strengthened, affording quicker healing and reduced pain. However, it is not a substitute for proper medical attention.

How does Guided Imagery differ from hypnosis?

Basically, the two processes are very similar. Guided Imagery, however, is a much lighter trance and allows you much more freedom to have an experience unique to you. Whereas hypnosis deals primarily with behavior modification with specific instructions and commands, imagery is more free flowing, affording new information and insight from the client, not the therapist.

Do I have to believe it will work in order for it to work?

No. You just have to give it a try, putting your analytical mind on hold, and preferably try it more than just once. Skill improves with practice. But a lot of skeptics end up doing quite well with imagery.

Can Guided Imagery be used with Children?

Children are naturals at this, responding to it easily and intensely, because they haven't had time to be acculturated away from this natural, inborn ability. Contrary to what many people assume, adolescents are excellent candidates for guided imagery.