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| 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
