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Imagery
Guided Imagery, Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are powerful practices for healing the effects of traumatic shock- including nightmares, abrupt mood swings, hyper-vigilance, intrusive flashbacks, extreme sensitivity to light/sound, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. These practices harness the power of the imagination (imagery) to help counter the negative affects of trauma by:
- restoring a sense of mastery and control
- rebalancing the nervous system
- reducing anxiety and depression
- assisting in the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
SE is a short-term naturalistic approach to the resolution and healing of trauma. Developed by psychologist Dr. Peter Levine, SE employs awareness of the body’s sensations to help clients “negotiate” and heal rather than re-live or re-enact trauma. An SE practitioner may use soft touch at various body points in order to allow the client’s highly aroused survival energies to be safely experienced and gradually discharged.
Guided Imagery
“Guided Imagery is a form of deliberate, directed daydreaming- a purposeful use of the imagination, using words and phrases designed to evoke rich, multi sensory fantasy and memory, in order to create a deeply immersive, receptive mind state that is ideal for catalyzing desired changes in mind, body, psyche and spirit” (Belleruth Naparstek, 2004)
- Health Journeys
- Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal by Belleruth Naparstek
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, has been used as an effective and non invasive form of trauma treatment for decades. Through a series of bilateral movements with the eyes, EMDR enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the common with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Resources
Audio and CD
- Guided Imagery for the Three Stages of Healing Trauma: Nine Meditations for Posttraumatic Stress by Belleruth Naparstek
- Magic Island: Relaxation for Kids by Betty Mehling
Books
- Guided Imagery for Self-Healing: An Essential Resource for Anyone Seeking Wellness by Martin Rossman
- Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body by Peter Levine
- Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal by Belleruth Naparstek
Organizations
- Health Journeys - Education, products, and guided imagery CDs, sample clips, and large audio library.
- Sounds True - Various guided imagery CDs, books, and interactive audio learning kits.
- Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute - Dedicated to resolving trauma worldwide by providing state-of-the-art professional training and public education in somatic experiencing (SE).
How can you integrate imagery into your healing journey?
