What is guided imagery

Guided imagery is a form of relaxation and visualization technique in which a person is guided through a mental visualization of a peaceful or calming scene or experience. The goal of guided imagery is to help the person relax and focus their mind, and sometimes to promote healing or other positive changes in the body or mind.

Guided imagery may be used to help manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions, as well as to promote physical relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce pain. It can also be used to help people visualize and achieve goals, such as improving performance in sports or other activities.

Guided imagery is typically done with the help of a trained therapist or instructor who guides the person through the visualization process using verbal instructions and imagery. The person is usually encouraged to close their eyes and focus on the sights, sounds, and feelings of the imagined scene or experience, using all their senses to help bring the visualization to life.

There is some evidence that guided imagery may be helpful for certain health conditions, such as cancer and other chronic illnesses, although more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Guided imagery is generally considered to be a safe and relatively low-risk intervention, although it is not a substitute for medical treatment.