Description of a Session
Guided imagery sessions can be conducted live with someone leading the session or can be audiotaped and used whenever the time is appropriate. Other types of visualization can be done whenever the individual has quiet time and space available. An imagery session can be conducted alone or in a group session. The technique usually begins with a short relaxation exercise involving becoming still in mind and body and often using the breath to relax. Often a pleasant scene usually selected by the individual is imagined in as much detail as possible, including how the place looks, sounds, feels and smells. The person may choose to bring another person into this imagined safe and comfortable place to accompany and guide them through the experience. At this point specific suggestions related to the goal of the imagery experience are introduced or the individual can imagine the type of experience they desire. The session concludes by gently bringing the person back to everyday reality with the suggestion that the new knowledge or experience gained is available to them.

Course of Treatment
The number of sessions varies greatly, from one to ten sessions in a therapeutic setting to as often as the person feels is beneficial when done privately. Practice of the technique is determined by the patient and can be done from several times a day to several times a week.

Side Effects
Imagery is a generally safe therapeutic approach. For certain psychiatric conditions and situations, however, it is advisable to consult your health care professional before initiating treatment.

Safety Issues
In general it is not recommended that imagery techniques be used with people experiencing hallucinations or posttraumatic stress disorder, as disturbing images may arise and worsen certain symptoms such as anxiety. It is also not clear whether imagery is effective in young children less than four years old and is usually not considered the treatment of choice.

Other Modalities that Work Well with Clinical Imagery
Imagery can complement the use of any treatment, whether conventional medical therapy or complementary/alternative approaches. It may act to boost the effectiveness of other treatments or simply support them by its role as a relaxation tool.

Content last modified on Sep 4, 2003