Guided Imagery: A mind-Body Therapy
For this week you will write a guided imagery script that you feel might be helpful to either the patient population you serve, the nurses you work with, or your friends and family. When you write a script, try to engage the five senses. Openings usually start with relaxing, closing the eyes, and deep breathing. Closings involve bringing the person back slowly to the here and now. There are examples of scripts posted. You will then try reading the script to at least one person, it can be anyone, and get their response.
Here is what to include in this week’s posting:
The name of the imagery script
Type of person for who you wrote the script
The actual script
Who you read it to and what they thought about it
No need for APA this week.
Sample Paper
Guided Imagery Script
The name of the guided imagery script was ‘a focused imagery script’. It can be used by nurses to manage patients suffering from certain psychological disorders. The focused imagery script can be applied to calm down patients experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders.
The actual script: “Take a moment to settle in the moment, relax and close your eyes. Be ready to stay calm and engage the spirit. Take a deep breath and notice the response of your belly and the air as it gets out through your nose. Focus on breathing, take air in and out, and get rid of any random thoughts that may come up in your mind. After clearing your mind, focus on breathing; now imagine a place that has made you feel completely at ease. Picture this place. What do you see? Use your eyes and take your time. What do you hear? Do you feel familiar sounds or just total silence? While focusing on breathing, identify how you feel. Do you feel the sun’s warmth or a breeze on your skin? Breathe in deeply and notice any scents in the space. What is the smell? Now, what can you taste in this space? Notice different tastes, perhaps of a fruit flavour, meal or drink. Now, take slow breaths and feel the space surrounding you. Enjoy this space and notice that you can return at this moment at any time. Now take more relaxing breaths and gently focus on this room.”
I read it to my roommate, and he said that he experienced a calmer and relaxed mind after listening to me. He was so intrigued about the script and followed through each step of the exercise. When I stimulated his five senses, he was able to tap into his deeper psyche and associate with a new environment. At first, he freaked out, but the breathing kept him calm and focused. I am excited to see how patients will respond to this script in a focused therapy session. Hopefully, it will help to manage psychological conditions in the healthcare setting.
