“Imagery” in general
Imagery in the general sense is the basic building block of
almost everything
in our lives. In fact, some
neurophysiologists believe that our reality is stored in
our brain as 5 sense (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) images, and that before we perform any action, we have a
split-second image of ourselves doing that action. This serves as a
template for our body to organize our muscles and joints to make that
image come true. Images surround us all day and are in our dreams
at night. The manipulation of images has been used for thousands
of years in the arts, politics, religion and the healing practices of
innumerable cultures.
“Imagery” in particular
In common medical use, however, the word “imagery” brings up
thoughts of specific mind-body medicine modalities that utilize
five-sense imagery. Art therapy, music therapy, humor, meditation/breathing,
yoga/movement, spirituality, progressive
relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, creative visualization, guided
imagery and interactive imagery all make use of sensory images. They each
have a useful place in healthcare, and provide options for each
individual and situation.
Will using imagery cure me?
If you
developed a tension headache every time your new boss yelled at you,
it’s likely that using imagery in some form could “cure” this.
On the other hand, if you are a 70-year-old woman who wants to use
imagery to start ovulating again, that isn’t going to happen.
(Although imagery could help you find something to substitute for that
desire.) Most things fall somewhere in-between. Some people
have been made to feel guilty that they couldn’t seem to do imagery
“good enough” to cure themselves. This is inaccurate,
inappropriate and non-productive. While using imagery will
definitely improve your situation, since all those thoughts do affect your
biochemistry, no one can know to what extent the impact of genetics,
environmental exposure, nutrition and a host of other factors play in
your illness. Just as you are not entirely responsible for causing
your disease, you are not entirely responsible for curing it, either.
We all do the best we can. Taking the opportunity to use imagery,
just like paying attention to other positive things you can do for
yourself, like diet and exercise, can help your body physically heal.
But of equal if not more importance, using imagery can also vastly
relive the suffering, pain, loneliness and fear caused by your illness.
Since Dr. Stein has been trained in Interactive
Imagery,
during the remainder of this discussion she will use it as a representational example of how one type of imagery modality can
be used to improve health and well being.
What is Interactive Imagery?
Interactive Imagery (II) is a process in which you and a
professionally trained “guide” work together, using your personal images
to promote healing and enhancement in all areas of your life.
It is called interactive because you and your guide talk to each other,
and your guide helps you find your own images. Interactive Imagery is different than guided imagery, which is used in
many audiotapes addressing relaxation and health. In guided
imagery, the guide on the tape usually provides the pacing and images
for you, and you just listen. While many of these tapes are
excellent and practical, by necessity they have to be of a general
nature. At times they might direct you to images that are not of
particular use for you. In II, however, since your own images are more
personally meaningful, they can be more powerful. Your body has
incredible natural abilities to heal. Your own images can be a
source of guidance as well as mobilization of your innate strengths, to
adjust, adapt, and find ways to provide what you need.
What kinds of problems does II help?
Interactive imagery has been very effective in the relief of
symptoms such as pain or the side effects of medication, improving
physical healing following surgery, stress management, problem solving
in issues such as deciding between different courses of medical
treatment, relief of anxiety and depression, inner support during
crises--particularly involving losses--and improving tolerance to
stressful medical procedures. From an ob/gyn standpoint, Dr. Stein
has successfully helped women with such diverse issues as the pain from
endometriosis, hot flashes from menopause, and premature labor.
Athletes have improved performance, and artists and
writers have overcome ‘blocks” to creativity using this method.
Interactive Imagery has limitless applications. [Dr. Stein only
sees people with ob/gyn issues, but can refer you to other II
practitioners.]
Does this work for everyone?
While most people will find II an easy and helpful process, some
might find it isn’t particularly meaningful to them. Interactive
Imagery is very similar to daydreaming. In general,
the people who seem to be the most greatly attuned to using imagery are
those who find they can readily get caught up in watching a movie or
reading a book, and meanwhile lose track of time or the sounds of
everyday life. However, studies have shown that a wide range of
unselected average people can benefit from using imagery.
This technique is not well suited for people who feel on the edge of unraveling,
are having problems with reality issues, or difficulty understanding and
focusing—those who are suicidal,
severely depressed or anxious, or with a tendency toward schizophrenia
or dementia.
Are there any risks?
Interactive Imagery is a very safe method since you,
not the guide, are in control at all times and can even stop the imagery
whenever you wish. This is different from formal hypnosis, since
often in hypnosis you are placed in a suggestible state and led by
someone else. A trained II guide doesn’t force anything to happen
or try to influence you. Because of these safeguards, it is very rare
to have a negative experience.
What is a session like?
A typical imagery session with Dr. Stein lasts about 1-1/2
hours. After going over your medical follow-up from your initial
visit, you both will discuss any questions you might have about the
imagery process. Then you will focus on an issue you want to
pursue and decide on the best way to approach it. For example, you
might invite the image of a particular symptom to appear and explore it.
Alternatively, if you are facing a difficult problem or need to make an
important decision, communicating with a wise and loving inner advisor
or healer can help you find some answers. Another possibility is
to have an imagery “rehearsal”, in a positive way, for an upcoming
stressful event like surgery. There are many different ways to use
II. Afterwards, you will “debrief” and decide on a future plan.
Before you leave the office, you are welcome to spend some time in a
quiet room set aside for you to write or draw about your imagery
experience. Dr. Stein’s function is to teach you the technique
initially, smooth over the rough areas if “nothing happens,” aid you in
making it feel safe if anything upsetting occurs, and help you do
something practical with your insights.
How long does it take to work?
Two especially helpful aspects of II make it very efficient.
The first is that imagery, “the natural language of the unconscious,”
goes straight to the heart of an issue—bypassing words, which can be
evasive. Powerful insights and physical changes can occur even at
the first visit. The second helpful aspect of II is that since you
yourself are basically doing the work, you can easily be trained to do
it on your own. Depending on the nature of the problem, as few as
one to three sessions are all that may be needed for you to feel
better. Consistent practice will improve results. You
will then have a gateway to your intuition and inner resources that can
be available to you for the rest of your life.
What kind of training does an II guide have?
An II guide must already be a licensed health care professional,
who then undergoes a one to two year process consisting of more than 150
hours of training. This training includes study and exams, as well
as intensive practical workshops. Interactive Imagery is now
being utilized in several medical centers with regard to surgical
preparation and cancer treatment, and it is taught in the residency
training program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. The accredited school for Interactive
Imagerysm is the Academy for Guided Imagery,
founded by Martin Rossman, MD and David Bressler, PhD. Both are
widely respected authors, speakers and teachers who are on the clinical
faculties at UCSF and UCLA, respectively. Dr. Stein is the first ob/gyn graduate of
this program, and has found II to be a wonderful addition to women’s
healthcare. [See the Academy’s website
www.academyforguidedimagery.com for more information.]
