HW410 – Stress-Critical Issues in Management and PreventionSeminar 6

Dr. Hector R. Morales-Negron

Today

• Mental Imagery and Visualization

Chapter 20

Mental Imagery and Visualization

Chapter 20

Mental Imagery and Visualization

“ Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.” —Albert Einstein

“ Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.” —Albert Einstein

Mental Imagery: Using the imagination to observe (in the first person) images created by the unconscious mind for relaxation, behavior change, and physical restoration.

Mental Imagery: Using the imagination to observe (in the first person) images created by the unconscious mind for relaxation, behavior change, and physical restoration.

Visualization: A self-directed exercise in mental imagery; consciously creating images of success, healing, or relaxation for the purposes of self-improvement.

Visualization: A self-directed exercise in mental imagery; consciously creating images of success, healing, or relaxation for the purposes of self-improvement.

Guided Mental Imagery: An exercise in which one is guided through a series of suggestions provided by an instructor, therapist, or counselor to enhance one’s imagination for relaxation, restoration, etc.

Guided Mental Imagery: An exercise in which one is guided through a series of suggestions provided by an instructor, therapist, or counselor to enhance one’s imagination for relaxation, restoration, etc.

“Active imagination” (a form of visualization) is a term coined by Carl Jung to describe a mental imagery process where, in a lucid dream state or relaxed state, you consciously imagine the end of a recurring dream.

“Active imagination” (a form of visualization) is a term coined by Carl Jung to describe a mental imagery process where, in a lucid dream state or relaxed state, you consciously imagine the end of a recurring dream.

Mental Imagery ResearchMental Imagery Research

• Mental Imagery improves immune function• Mental Imagery improves injury healing• Mental Imagery decreases resting blood pressure• Mental Imagery improves sports performance• Mental Imagery promotes relaxation• Mental Imagery aids with cancer treatment• Many other benefits of mental imagery

• Mental Imagery improves immune function• Mental Imagery improves injury healing• Mental Imagery decreases resting blood pressure• Mental Imagery improves sports performance• Mental Imagery promotes relaxation• Mental Imagery aids with cancer treatment• Many other benefits of mental imagery

Suggested Guidesfrom Biofeedback

Researcher Pat Norris, Ph.D.

• Idiosyncratic Nature• Egosyntonic Nature• Positive Connotation• Kinesthetic/Somatic• Anatomically correct and accurate*• Constancy and Dialogue* Blue Print Aspect

Suggested Guidesfrom Biofeedback

Researcher Pat Norris, Ph.D.

• Idiosyncratic Nature• Egosyntonic Nature• Positive Connotation• Kinesthetic/Somatic• Anatomically correct and accurate*• Constancy and Dialogue* Blue Print Aspect

Mental Imagery as a Relaxation TechniqueMental Imagery as a Relaxation Technique

1. Tranquil Nature Scenes1. Tranquil Nature Scenes

2. Behavioral Changes2. Behavioral Changes

Figure 20.3. Many athletes use mental imagery (mental training, mental rehearsal) to complement their physical training. For amateurs and professionals alike, the mental skills of competition are extremely important for peak performance.

Figure 20.3. Many athletes use mental imagery (mental training, mental rehearsal) to complement their physical training. For amateurs and professionals alike, the mental skills of competition are extremely important for peak performance.

3. Healing Body Images3. Healing Body Images

Figure 20.4. A sketch made by Garrett Porter to help him visualize the healing process in his body. The small “Pacman” creatures (white blood cells) are destroying and eating his tumor, which he named “Planet Meatball.”

Figure 20.4. A sketch made by Garrett Porter to help him visualize the healing process in his body. The small “Pacman” creatures (white blood cells) are destroying and eating his tumor, which he named “Planet Meatball.”

Mental Imagery and Chronic Pain

Mental Imagery and Chronic Pain

Steps to Initiate Mental ImagerySteps to Initiate Mental Imagery

1. Assume a comfortable position2. Concentration* and focus (attitude)3. Visualization (bring an image to mind)

* Adding diaphragmatic breathing is often recommended to enhance this process. Sometimes adding an affirmation is beneficial, too!

1. Assume a comfortable position2. Concentration* and focus (attitude)3. Visualization (bring an image to mind)

* Adding diaphragmatic breathing is often recommended to enhance this process. Sometimes adding an affirmation is beneficial, too!

Color TherapyColor Therapy

Light TherapyLight Therapy

Best Application of Mental Imagery

Best Application of Mental Imagery

Questions?Questions?