Guided imagery has been found to provide significant stress reduction benefits, including physically relaxing the body quickly and efficiently and even helping participants get in touch with deeper levels of wisdom (held on a subconscious level) that would help them better manage their lives in ways that would reduce stress. The studies demonstrating the health benefits of imagery are so numerous that many hospitals are incorporating imagery as an option to help with treatment.
What’s Involved?:
This is a simple technique which uses techniques as instructions from a therapist
or a professional helper. The client builds his imagination based on instruction, and try to be guided into a deeply relaxed state and envision. The instructions includes details relating to all of the senses, a relaxing scene. They may also imagine a wise ‘imagery guide’ with them or even a tape recorder instructing them. While they ponder into deep sense about their body parts they can ask questions to their instructor or even the self and could get a rationalised answer.Like in hypnosis this guide may help them to uncover their subconscious mind that they aren’t generally able to access.
What Are the Pros?:
Imagery can provide relaxation, insight and wisdom. It is a free stress relieving therapy and, with practice, can be done just about anywhere.
What Are the Cons?:
Like self-hypnosis, it can take some practice to master autonomous guided imagery. Working with a professional therapist or even tapes to get to that point can be somewhat slow in outcome and if therapist used may be costly.
How Does It Compare To Other Stress Reduction Methods?:
For the benefits it provides, it’s 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. It can be used along with Self Guided Internal Journey
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