Guided imagery is a common relaxation technique that uses your imagination to calm your mind and relax your body. Both library and internet resources for how guided imagery works, instructions on how to use guided imagery, as well as guided imagery scripts and audio clips, are widely available to help get you started.
Books
For an in-depth explanation of guided imagery, how it works and how to use it effectively as a practitioner as well as a client, "Guided Imagery for Self-Healing" by Martin Rossman is an excellent resource. Each chapter details how imagery can be used and is followed by a guided imagery script. For a more specific resource, Andrew Schwartz's "Guided Imagery for Groups" provides a how-to on conducting group relaxation as well as 50 guided imagery scripts.
All About Depression
The website All About Depression includes a specific page titled "Online Relaxation Exercises." The page provides information on the benefits of relaxation as well as a brief guide to using guided imagery. Most important, it offers free downloadable audio clips that include basic breathing exercises as well as guided imagery and mindfulness exercises. The clips are provided in both QuickTime 6.0 and RealPlayer 2.0 formats. Printed scripts are also available for each.
Inner Health Studio
The Inner Health Studio website provides free guided imagery scripts that address basic relaxation as well as specific topics such as anger, shyness, test anxiety, nightmares, headaches, loneliness and more. The website also offers a small selection of free audio clips that can be listened to online. Additional audio clips are available for purchase.
The Guided Meditation Site
The Guided Meditation Site offers a wide breadth of information on meditation and guided imagery. Several free imagery exercises are available but only include a picture paired with relaxing music. Guided imagery audio clips, in which a voice directs you step-by-step through a relaxation exercise, are mostly available for purchase, with free samples available to those who provide a name and email address. Most useful, the website provides a thorough explanation of how to use guided imagery and its potential benefits and offers multiple guided imagery scripts, instructions on how to write your own guided imagery script and an on-line community for sharing your scripts.
Imagery for Kids
Imagery for Kids is the website of Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in guided imagery for children. Her website offers articles and additional resources on the use of guided imagery with children. She also maintains a blog with monthly entries. Books on imagery for children as well as CDs of guided imagery are available for purchase.
References
- "Guided Imagery for Self-Healing"; Martin Rossman, Ph.D.; 2000
- "Guided Imagery for Groups"; Andrew Schwartz; 1995
- All About Depression: Online Relaxation Exercises
- Inner Health Studio: Guided Imagery Scripts
- The Guided Meditation Site
