7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

1/15

Mental Imagery and Visualization

Chapter 20

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

2/15

Imagination is more powerful thanknowledge.

Albert Einstein

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

3/15

An Historical Perspective of Mental

Imagery and Visualization

Origins date back to Freud and Jung in

modern psychology

Most likely used for millennia by peopleof all cultures

Shamans used visualization to heal

tribe members

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

4/15

Mental Imagery and Visualization

Mental imagery involves unconscious

thoughts that become conscious in the effort

to heal or make whole.

Guided mental imagery is a variation wherein

images are suggested by another person.

Visualization is a conscious thought process

directed toward self-improvement.

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

5/15

Mental Imagery Research

Mental imagery has been the focus ofmany clinical studies to determine theeffectiveness of this technique on manytypes of illness, most notably cancer.

Additional case studies reveal themerits of this approach time and again,

where the unconscious mind is invitedto actively participate in the healingprocess.

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

6/15

Mental Imagery as a

Relaxation Technique

Just as real or imaginary thoughts can

trigger the stress response, relaxing

thoughts can promote the relaxationresponse.

When imagination is used to promote

relaxation, the bodys five senses are ineffect deactivated or desensitized to

stressful stimuli.

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

7/15

Healing Visualization Tips from

Dr. Patricia Norris

Image must be idiosyncratic

Image must be egosyntonic

Image must have a positive aspect Image must be kinesthetic and somatic

Image must be anatomically correct

Employ constancy and dialogue Employ the healthy blueprint aspect

Employ the treatment with the image

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

8/15

Three Categories of Mental Imagery

Tranquil natural scenes, or images that place

one in a natural environment.

Behavioral changes, or images that allow oneto see and feel oneself performing a different,

more health-conscious behavior.

Internal body images, or images of trips

inside the body to observe damaged ordiseased tissue being healed or repaired.

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

9/15

Color and Light Therapy

Research into visualization also

includes color and light therapy

The color blue appears to have arelaxing/healing effect.

Full spectrum lighting is known to

have a healing effect too!

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

10/15

Mental Imagery and Chronic Pain

Has been used to identify and alleviate

chronic pain, particularly the use ofmental imagery and the power of the

unconscious mind

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

11/15

Steps to Initiate Mental Imagery

and Visualization

Assume a comfortable position

Relax (concentrate on breathing)

Adjust attitude toward receptivity

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

12/15

Steps to Initiate Mental Imagery

and Visualization (continued)

Select a visual theme (beach, forest) Allow your mind to enrich the image

Utilize all the bodys senses

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

13/15

Visual Theme for Mental Imagery:

Nature Images

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

14/15

Best Application of Mental Imagery

Mental imagery can be done just about

anywhere (before giving a speech, before an

exam, falling asleep, etc.)

A technique that doesnt require much time

Many Olympic and professional athletes use

this technique

List five situations where this technique wouldbe appropriate

Please, do not use this technique while

driving!!!

7/27/2019 Chapter20 (1)

15/15

Study Guide Questions

1. What is mental imagery and how does it differ

from visualization?

2. List three categories that imagery andvisualization can be used for relaxation.

3. What is color therapy and how can it be used to

promote relaxation?

4. List the three steps of guided mental imagery

that when followed, help promote relaxation.