Synonyms
Introduction
Guided imagery is a cognitive behavioral technique in which the therapist guides a client through a series of positive images or positive outcomes. This process, sometimes known as positive suggestion, involves the therapist directing the client to imagine a positive outcome of some type, usually relating to mental or physical health (Sherman and Fredman 1986, p. 58). This technique serves a number of different uses in therapy. Numerous studies provide evidence of guided imagery’s effectiveness for such issues as coping with stress, reframing painful memories, opening up emotionally, discovering one’s values, connecting spiritually, finding comfort in one’s interpersonal relationships, and increasing the quality of those relationships (Kayser et al. 2010; Wadsworth et al. 2011; Roland 2002; Scuka 2012; Wheeler 1982; Leedes 1999; Sell et al. 2018).
Theoretical Framework
Guided Imagery originates from a Cognitive...
References
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Ziegler, A.M., Black, D.A. (2018). Guided Imagery in Couple and Family Therapy. In: Lebow, J., Chambers, A., Breunlin, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_84-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_84-1
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