![]() ![]() It works because our brain and related neurophysiology find it almost impossible to distinguish between imagined experience and reality, such that we often respond to our imagination as strongly as if it were really happening (De Paolis et al., 2019).įor example, our brain responds when we imagine potential failure or rejection by flooding us with anxiety, which results in unpleasant symptoms like breathlessness, a racing heart, a dry mouth, and sweating as if the threat were very real. Guided imagery works by using the imagination to stimulate all five sensory channels in addition to inner self-talk, often using affirmations. ACT uses a combination of imagery and linguistic rescripting to support value-driven action. The ACT approach understands how internal imagery often traps us in inner scripts that block behavioral change. Often, the mindfulness components of third-wave therapies use imagery to decenter from identification with thoughts and feelings that prevent behavioral change.Įxamples include the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) “thoughts are like” exercise, available in this free worksheet, which deploys a lot of visual metaphors as images to facilitate cognitive defusion. The third-wave behavioral therapies combined mindfulness with CBT techniques to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. This is used to treat phobias (Wolpe, 1958).Īnother method for overcoming phobias and social anxiety is where a feared stimulus is repeatedly presented through imagery without reinforcement or any counterconditioning process (Stampfl & Levis, 1967). This technique has the client imagine a feared stimulus until they habituate to it. There is also evidence that it can enhance positive mood states and overcome depression (Holmes et al., 2006 Wheatley et al., 2007). Imagery rescripting is commonly used to treat symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks and nightmares (Arntz & Weertman, 1999 Smucker et al., 1995). Some contemporary examples of how guided imagery is used in CBT include:įor symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like flashbacks, cognitive restructuring inserts new and incompatible images into post-traumatic memories (Grey et al., 2002). In this sense, imagery contributed to the evolution of cognitive therapy theory and practice.” xxv), Beck writes, “developing a cognitive theory of psychopathology initially relied on my patients’ ability to share their inner cognitions a process that was significantly aided by imagery. In the preface to the Oxford Guide to Imagery in Cognitive Therapy (Hackmann et al., 2011, p. Challenging the internal imagery that blocks behavioral change can be achieved using guided imagery techniques to restructure imagery and rescript inner scenarios that often play out when clients face challenges, compulsions, or fears. These include those referring to the past, such as rumination on loss that can lead to depression, and those referring to anticipated failure or rejection that often generate anxiety.ĬBT challenges dysfunctional patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior by using cognitive restructuring strategies that lead to behavioral change. Imagery was always relevant to CBT, given that many of our thoughts and feelings are accompanied by internal images. Relaxing Audio, Music, Apps, and Videosīehind Guided Imagery, CBT, & MindfulnessĬognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that combines cognitive and behavioral approaches designed by Aaron Beck in the late 1960s.3 Visualization Activities and Exercises.Behind Guided Imagery, CBT, & Mindfulness.These science-based exercises will provide you with detailed insight into positive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and give you the tools to apply it in your therapy or coaching. We will also outline some of the training courses available.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free. This article examines the science behind guided imagery and why it works, plus introduces the best techniques, guided imagery scripts, apps, videos, and books on the subject. Guided imagery is also used by sports psychologists (Ahsen, 2001) and business coaches (Vasquez & Buehler, 2007) to help clients focus and achieve their goals. Guided imagery is commonly used in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Hackmann et al., 2011), some mindfulness-based third-wave behavioral therapies (Bedford, 2012), as a psychological intervention that helps to manage pain (Carpenter et al., 2017 Ilacqua, 1994), and as a complementary therapy during cancer treatment (Mahdizadeh et al., 2019). Guided imagery is a complementary therapy that can be a powerful technique to use with clients who have problems articulating their inner world with words alone. ![]()
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