As promised yesterday I shall give a very brief description of the Guided Imagery process. In my office (opens June 1) the imagery, self healing, relaxation, or stress management takes place.The patient lies in a prone position on a comfortable couch or may sit upright whatever their preference. I then begin talking in a very relaxed manner speaking with my “English accent”. Actually it’s South African for those of you who don’t know me, I guide you to view your muscles relax. We start by relaxing your foot. You visualize in your minds “eye” seeing your muscles relax. Using this method your muscle relaxation is far more intense than if you lay down for a 20 minute nap.
I guide you to relax your left leg, left arm and eventually your entire body is so relaxed, always listening to my voice assisting you in your relaxation. It has frequently happened that patients have actually fallen asleep while guiding them during the relaxing phase prior to the HEALING phase which begins following the muscle relaxing phase. However before the healing phase begins, as the body is relaxed, we guide the patient to relax their mind. This is accomplished by “taking” them to a very special place of theirs that they often visit in order to obtain peace RELAXATION and harmony with nature. Alternatively the visualization may be the company of a special person. It may be a special beach, sunset, walk in a green forest with tall trees, or spending special time with a loved one. It matters not what the place is as long as it is memorable, enjoyable, pleasant and aids with the psychological or mental relaxation process.
The healing phase now begins by returning my patients to their brain where in their minds eye they send out their own personal “healing material” – whatever it may be. That may be flowers, crushing machine, Pacman. It matters not. What is important is that the patient has chosen that object for their self healing.
We guide the patient as they heal themself with their very own material. We guide them to their area of contention, be it the brain for insomnia, anxiety, stress. It mamy be physical such as obesity, cancer, chronic pain, etc. There are many indications for GUIDED IMAGERY MEDITATION.
For the next 15 days until I open my office in La Jolla, California, we will discuss the various indications for guided imagery . When you visit me or any other guided imagery therapist you will then be fully informed and knowlegable, both with regard to how GI can empower you to heal yourself, as well as how the process takes place.
I must admit that different therapists use their own special way of guiding their patients/ clients. I have mine and people have enjoyed my personal technique. That does not mean that the therapist that you choose won’t give you the same excellent care and treatment. It’s just that many patients have related to me that following just one session they have never felt so relaxed, calm and with a sense of purpose and renewal they leave my office,only to return on following weeks, months etc.
Click here to see some indications for guided imagery.
You can do it not because it is hard ,but because it is so easy. It will become easy but you have to try first!
