This relaxation technique might be only useful for a select few clients and should not be used where a client finds the process difficult or has unpleasant effects as a result [1992].
- Sit comfortably in a chair, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Clear your mind of all thoughts and images.
- Imagine a place where you feel safe and relaxed; this could be a real or imaginary place. Think in as much detail as possible: What are the sounds? What are the smells? What do you feel? What do you see? What time of day is it? Are you alone or with somebody else?
- Think about how your body feels in this place (e.g., Are your muscles relaxed? Is it warm? Is your breathing and heart rate slow or fast?).
- Stay in this relaxed state for a moment and remember how it feels so you can return to it when you need to.
- Slowly clear your mind again and return to the ‘here and now’ and the sounds around you. Stretch your arms and legs and when you are ready, open your eyes.
A client worksheet for visualisation in provided in the Worksheets section of these Guidelines.