What is imagery?

Think of squeezing a slice of lemon into your mouth. What happens? We imagine (create an image) that the lemon is sour, and our mouth waters. Our body believes what we think and feel and responds very quicly! Most times, our thoughts involve images. Images arise quickly and inform our body of appropriate responses long before our thinking mind catches up.

Our bodies believe worrisome thoughts (images) and respond physiologically by: tensing muscles, increasing heart rate, rapid shallow breathing, elevating blood pressure, depressing the immune system and more. When these processes are sustained long term, it is harmful to health.

Likewise, our bodies believe positive thoughts by relaxing muscles, normalizing heart and breath cycles as well as blood pressure. The immune system and healing responses are strengthened.

Guided imagery is a practice of discovery. An individual learns that he/she can choose thoughts and images that best support an abundant life.

How can guided imagery help me?

  1. Guided imagery can be used for relaxation and stress reduction. It is easy to teach, easy to learn, and almost universally helpful.
  2. Guided imagery can be used to encourage an individual to imagine desired therapeutic outcomes while in a relaxed, open state of mind. This creates a sense of participation and control whether one is having a procedure, surgery, or cancer treatment. In addition, imagery can be used fo alleviate symptoms and stimulate healing responses in the body.
  3. Guided imagery can be interactive. Images are invited to enter conscious awareness and they are interactively explored to gather more information about a symptom, illness, mood, treatment, situation or possible solution.

 Arleen has successfully worked with individuals who chose imagery for the following reasons:

  • To speed healing and comfort before and after surgery
  • To reduce stress and blood pressure
  • To manage acute or chronic pain
  • To decrease distress and side effects before, during and after cancer treatment
  • To explore a symptom or behavioral pattern

Meet Our Guided Imagery Practitioner

Arleen Hollenhorst