Guided imagery therapy is a cognitive-behavioral technique in which a client is guided in imagining a relaxing scene or series of experiences.
Numerous clinical observations suggest that an individual visualizing an imagined scene reacts as though it were actually occurring; therefore, induced images can have a profound effect on behavior. The usefulness of guided imagery techniques have been shown to be effective in helping individuals learn or modify behaviors such as:

• learning to relax
• changing or controlling their negative emotions in response to a particular situation, event, or belief
• preparing themselves for changes they are likely to deal with in the future
• eliminating or reducing undesirable behaviors
• increasing effective pain management
• coping with difficult situations
• learning new and desirable behaviors
• becoming more motivated in dealing with their problems
• coping with how they behaved in an earlier situation in order to feel less shame or guilt
• experimenting with ways to manage stressful or anxiety-producing situations by mentally rehearsing the needed behavior(s)

• phobias
• depression
• generalized anxiety disorders
• sexual difficulties
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

An assessment of the individual’s presenting problems is an essential part of treatment, both at the beginning of therapy and throughout the entire process. This is to ensure that our therapist has sufficient understanding of the client’s situation and diagnosis of the problem(s). The assessment generally covers a variety of areas, such as developmental history (including family, education, employment, and social relationships), past traumatic experiences, medical and psychiatric treatments, and client goals. Often, clients have several problems, and both the therapist and the client work together on prioritizing specific treatment goals.
Depending on the combination of visualization and imagery techniques used, the therapeutic approach, and client problem(s), it is expected that clients will experience positive changes in specifically defined target behaviors. Clients might also experience a reduction in biases or distortions in thinking, which could result in more effective functioning that, in turn, leads to more positive feelings, behavior, and thinking. Finally, clients may experience strengthened coping skills, fewer emotional disturbances and self-defeating behaviors, and less overall tension.