Guided Imagery for PTSD
Guided Imagery has been used as a healing modality for thousands of years (Davenport, 2016; 2019). Imagery is an intuitive process that involves bringing attention to our internal environment through use of deep relaxation techniques and imaginative expression. The practice is comprised of progressive relaxation, deep listening, and powerful open-ended questions that can evoke healing messages and soothing physiological responses in the body. The process involves having dialogue with images and dream figures that emerge from our truest nature to offer fresh perspectives and healing insights. Davenport (2019) says, “these images are the natural expression of our intuition, unconscious mind, and deepest self” (p.1). The use of imagination offers wisdom and healing to everyone regardless of background, individual experiences, beliefs, lifestyle, temperament, race, or age.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a result of traumatic or stressful life events, and it can interfere with social, physical and psychological functioning (Kintzle et al., 2018). It is characterized by intrusive thoughts in which the trauma is re-experienced, situations that might be triggering are avoided, and a state of hyperarousal and/or negative mood states may cause irritability and aggression. PTSD can be accompanied by acute and/or chronic physical pain including headaches, joint pain, and digestive issues.
The use of imagination during guided imagery can provide symbols, impressions, images, guides, places, and emotional states that inspire healing of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual body for those experiencing PTSD. Let’s explore three types of imagery that may be beneficial for those experiencing symptoms.
Safe Place
A safe place can be real or imaginary; as long as, it generates self-soothing and self-regulating effects through feelings of safety and peacefulness. It may also be referred to as a “welcoming space” or “healing environment”; it is somewhere that feels supportive to the process. A place where we can be who we are without external pressures or expectations, and reconnect to a sense of wholeness, peace, freedom, and a range of resilient qualities (Davenport, 2021).
For people with PTSD, creating a safe internal environment may be foundational to processing grief, but can take some time to develop. A safe place is a trusted container to then explore sensations of the body, emotions, and have deep meaningful dialogue with parts of ourselves that may have been neglected. Davenport (2019) says “bringing your topic of concern into your inner sanctuary (safe place) is bringing the salt of your suffering into spaciousness. The jagged edges of stress that are so painful when they circulate in the narrow tracks of the mind can now be surrounded by the open, loving, compassion of your heart’s sanctuary” (p.124). Davenport (2019) goes on to say that “bringing the most shameful experiences, harshest judgements, and rawest wounds into your own heart is how healing happens. It is the pain that changes, not your sanctuary” (p. 125).
Inner Guide
Along with a safe place, an inner guide is meant to help create a sense of safety and resiliency within. An inner guide may inspire spiritual connection, while also cultivating relationship to other-than-human beings (flowers, the sky, a tree) through imaginative experiences (Cantwell, 2012).
For many people, an inner guide can inspire spiritual connection, or a sense of Oneness with all life, and relay messages that emerge from a loving and wise space within us. Images can appear in a variety of forms including religious guides, symbols, people, animals, nature beings, and wise sensations. An inner guide may offer guidance that inspires the higher self, present moment awareness, and the embodiment of the messages or insights gained.
Somatic Imagery
Somatic imagery is a body-based exploration that explores sensations of the body. This process inspires mind-body connection, and can help temporarily relieve or shift physical pain and emotional states. Somatic imagery can support present moment awareness, pain management, mental health outcomes, and improved social relations for people with PTSD (Davenport, 2021). Relating differently to the symptoms experienced creates opportunity for relief. The imaginative process is so powerful that we can imagine experiencing relief and really reap the physiological benefits.
Final Thought
The therapeutic opportunity of guided imagery for PTSD is promising. It not only shapes new physiological responses in the body, but also strengthens self-efficacy, self-awareness and empowers whole person healing. The goal is to help alleviate acute and chronic symptoms, and improve behavioral and emotional states. This process can also be spiritual in nature, and offer many insights to living a more grounded peaceful life going forward.