Visualisation and imagery

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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].

  1. Sit comfortably in a chair, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Clear your mind of all thoughts and images.
  2. 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?
  3. 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?).
  4. Stay in this relaxed state for a moment and remember how it feels so you can return to it when you need to.
  5. 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.

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