Imagery

Through a subtle relaxation process, Therapeutic Imagery enables the client to "bypass the censor we call the brain" and begin accessing his or her feelings more quickly, working indirectly with hidden issues and distorted belief systems.

Therapeutic Imagery applies imagery, the symbolic language of the subconscious mind, in overcoming conflicts or blocks in the behavioral motivation of the client. Similarly, imagery can assist in healing the physical body by engaging the latent, innate healing abilities of the client, leading to recovery and rehabilitation.

How does Therapeutic Imagery work?

The essence of imagery for therapeutic purposes is to allow one's imagination to open for the purpose of focusing on an objective, with the intention of achieving that objective, or for discovery purposes to uncover underlying blocks and resistances. Also, by enhancing the awareness of the client's existing subconscious imagery, new positive imagery for growth may evolve.

By providing positive use of imagery tools to help further the client, the facilitator teaches clients to utilize this imagery on their own behalf. The desire for self-direction is honored and expanded by accepting the client's own personal imagery and clients are both empowered and motivated, often bringing about profound change.

How does Therapeutic Imagery apply to medical conditions?

Since the time of Mesmer, hypnotists have demonstrated the power of the mind to control pain and affliction in the body. Today, medical school students learn very early that 40% or more of all their future patients will have primarily psychosomatic symptoms, meaning that the origin of their symptoms is emotional, rather than physiological.

We know that imagination and a patient's belief system are critical to healing by a patient's positive response to placebos, suggestion and positive expectant faith. Thought is creative; therefore imagery helps the patient to direct their physical and emotional energies toward creating health, rather than fearing disease or illness and in that way creating a negative, or unhealthy, experience.

What are the results from organizations practicing Therapeutic Imagery?

• In the September 1996 issue of LIFE MAGAZINE, it was reported that major universities and hospital centers were combining imagery with traditional medical practices as a major tool in healing catastrophic illness and aiding in quicker recovery from surgical procedures.
• Oncologists and best selling authors Bernie Seigel, M.D. and Carl Simonton, M.D., have both been successfully practicing guided imagery in the treatment of cancer for over 20 years.
• Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School, has developed an imagery technique he calls "remember wellness," a process of "remembering" your body into a state of perfect health.
• The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons reported this about guided imagery; a low-tech relaxation technique, (it) reduced pain and anxiety after colorectal surgery, helping people heal better and faster."
• Cleveland researchers evaluated a group of surgery patients. The control group, who received traditional care, was compared with another group who listened to audiocassettes combining vocal instruction and soothing music for three days before surgery and six days after. The guided imagery group described their experience in these terms; "(the pain was) half as severe, used one-third less pain medication and left the hospital sooner."
• Psychologist Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D., calls imagery "the midwife that helps birth the unconscious to the conscious mind."
• Carl Jung believed imagery to be "superior to dreams in defeating the unconscious and promoting maturation of analysis."
• Hanscarl Leuner, M.D., stated that imagery represented "a superior short-term therapy, bridging the gap between symptomatic therapies and the great psychoanalytic cure".