Imagery and Visualization

Photo by Sara Fogan

 

 

Many years ago, I was asked to participate in an undergraduate student’s psychology experiment to test how and whether imagery could positively affect my performance in a simple task. I have since forgotten what that task was, but I do remember the scene I used during my visualization exercise: I was jumping my favorite horse, Renege, at the barn where I rode as a teenager. I also remember that my score on the experiment improved significantly after I did the imagery work.

The mind translate words (heard or read) into thoughts, and then into images. Imagery is very flexible because it can be applied to a lot of therapeutic situations to create a new neural pathway. As a certified hypnotherapist, I teach all of my clients to use guided imagery and visualization techniques during their hypnotherapy sessions with me and even how and when to employ these tools to alleviate stress outside my office. So, you might ask, what is the difference between these concepts?

Visualization is the ability to “see” something on the back of your eyelids, when your eyes are closed. For example, take a good look at the photo at the top of this page, and then close your eyes. Can you still “see” this picture in your mind’s eye when your eyes are close? If so, you can “visualize” a scene or scenario. The ability to visualize is a product of how we learn in Hypnosis Motivation Institute founder John Kappas, Ph.D.’s model of suggestibility, according to Kappasinian hypnosis. Someone who learns best by direct and literal suggestion can usually visualize the scene in that picture, very easily.

Imagery is a similar but slightly different concept. Yes, it can encompass visualization, but it doesn’t have to. Imagery actually refers to every experiential sensation, including sound, smell, touch, sight and taste. When we visualize, we “watch” or see something, but the experience is from a distance. Conversely, imagery is a spontaneous, subconscious reaction to a feeling. Perhaps when you looked at the picture above you also got a sense of the scent of pine trees or heard the rushing sound of water gurgling in the stream. Could you imagine feeling a cool breeze tickling your skin? Each of these examples illustrates imagery, or how or what you “imagined” the experience would really be like. If you learn through inference or metaphor (emotional suggestibility) you could probably smell the trees the moment you saw the word “pine” or even felt the rocks—slippery with moss—that are submerged in the cold water.

When I work with a client, one of the first things I do is to ascertain whether the person possesses physical or emotional suggestibility so I know how to speak to his or her subconscious mind during hypnosis. Don’t worry if you do not think you can visualize: if you see pictures or mini-movies in your dreams, you are “visualizing” in this context. In addition, if you can “picture” or “pretend” that something is happening or that you are doing something, you can “imagine” that you are seeing (visualizing) or perceiving that experience in other ways. All of these options will enable you to get the most out of your hypnotherapy session.

 

 

 

 

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2015