Guided Imagery

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GUIDED IMAGERY

Boston University

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I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of writing this paper is to explore Guided Imagery and its uses in deep relaxation and positive suggestion and its similarities to hypnosis.

Guided Imagery has powerful physiological consequences and conveys important and otherwise inaccessible information from the unconscious mind.

There are virtually no limits to the number of situations where Guided Imagery can be useful, some of these include:

• Relaxation and stress reduction.

• Acute and chronic pain relief

• Addictions

• Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders

• Depression

• Managing chronic illness and preventing acute exacerbations

• Mind/body issues

• Post-traumatic stress disorders

• Sleep disorders

II. HYPOTHESIS

In a critical analysis the terms “self-hypnosis” or “auto-hypnosis” were almost interchangeable with “Guided Imagery” in literature (Olness, 1981). Studies have shown that Guided Imagery increased oxygenation in COPD patients (Louie, 2004). In two other studies, hypnosis reduced hyper-responsiveness, and increased forced expiratory volume through one year of follow up in adult patients who were easily hypnotized (Ewer & Stewart, 1986).

However, in practice, Guided Imagery uses focused imagery in a relaxed mind state to directly affect the physiology of the patient. By accessing his or her own emotions, the patient gains an awareness of how emotions affect health. Imagery is often used to treat chronic pain and allergies, to accelerate healing and minimize discomfort from injuries, and to aid in the recovery process of cancer patients. Furthermore, imagery can be applied to nearly any medical situation where relaxation or symptom relief is needed.

Guided Imagery is an excellent stress management option. It can be easier than exercise or even yoga for those with physical limitations. It has no risk of side effects like some medical and herbal therapies. Using it for simple relaxation is easy and can be done by just about anyone, but accessing an internal �guide’ takes more practice than other methods like progressive muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. Guided Imagery is similar to self-hypnosis in that you’re getting into a deep state of relaxation and dealing with your subconscious mind. However, with self-hypnosis, you’re more often implanting ideas into your subconscious mind, whereas imagery focuses more on extracting ideas from it.

With the help of an imagery CD, a professional trained in Guided Imagery, or just one’s imagination, those who practice Guided Imagery get into a deeply relaxed state and envision, with detail relating to all of the senses, a relaxing scene. They may also imagine a wise �guide’ with them, answering their questions and asking them questions that they must ponder in order to get to a better place in their lives. (This �guide’ is a representation of their subconscious mind that they are not generally able to access.)

In this commentary, we pose the argument that therapists commonly employ memory recovery methods such as Guided Imagery for sexual abuse victims, despite the fact that little empirical evidence exists to support their therapeutic benefits. Moreover, research on source monitoring and imagination inflation indicates that guided imagery may carry too many risks to be used for memory recovery in a therapeutic context. Because false memories can have devastating consequences for individuals and families, therapists should make every effort to evaluate the role of suggestion, suggestibility, and