Integrative Imagery
Integrative imagery is based on the power of one’s own imagination. People often underestimate the power of their imagination which is a pity because it is a terrible thing to waste. New techniques are now being developed that use the imagination as a tool for promoting a positive mind and spirit, and for achieving positive body responses. Basically, it is a more advanced form of guided imagery techniques.
Guided Imagery therapy involves the therapist guiding the patient to a peaceful scene and assists the patient with visualization. These sessions are usually scripted and may be recorded on tape. Integrative imagery goes beyond guided imagery because it is a therapeutic process that reaches deep inside of us to access our innate healing potential. With the help of the therapist, the patient is guided through visualizations and asked to focus within him or herself to reach their inner strength and wisdom to help them with a particular problem or concern. This is a process that affects every level of the individual including the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. The therapy works by bridging the gap between the subconscious and the conscious mind through imagery.
It is based on the idea that we can use the power of the mind and imagination to tap into the inner healing potentials of the body. This helps us to reach the inner realm of the subconscious to find the answers we are looking for to regain our overall state of wellbeing. One example of such an approach would be for a person who has been diagnosed with a disease, to tap into their subconscious and visualize an image of the disease to figure out what it needs to be healed or treated.
Communication is a factor that makes integrative imagery different from guided imagery techniques. Patients do not just visualize the images in one’s mind, but during integrative imagery the patient is also involved in communicating back and forth with the therapist during the session. Thus it involves both the left and right hemispheres of the brain (left side=linguistics, right side=imagery). This also helps the therapist more efficiently guide the patient through the visualization by receiving feedback on what the patient is seeing in their subconscious.
In integrative imagery therapy the patient is doing most of the work as their imagination plays the biggest role in the technique. The therapist is there to simply guide you through the process to seek the answers that you need. A session would begin by establishing the goal that the patient wants to achieve during the imaging process, whether it’s seeking an answer to a tough life problem or simply tapping into their inner strength or wisdom. Next, the therapist guides the patient into a relaxing imaginative scene while completing some deep breathing exercises. The patient is usually asked to describe what they see and any sensory information. Once the patient is deeply relaxed they can invite their inner wisdom or strength to come out so that the patient can find the answers that they are looking for through communicating with the image. Most patients are deeply moved by the power of their image and imagination. Once they have reached their goal or purpose, the patient is guided back to the present.
Integrative imagery is different from hypnosis and meditation because there is still communication between the patient and therapist. However, it does require some amount of suggestibility in order for the experience to take place.
The therapy has been helpful in reducing anxiety, providing pain relief, stress management, coping skills, dealing with chronic illness like Fibromyalgia, healing emotional pain, accessing inner wisdom and insights, promoting healing, understanding oneself, and finding empowerment from within. Making a connection with one’s inner guide is the ultimate goal of integrative imagery.
