Using Guided Imagery When You Have Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

Have You Ever Noticed…

...when you feel stressed or overwhelmed that it can feel peaceful and calming to dream of taking a vacation from your stressor or to recall times

when we escaped and got away from our troubles?

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Mind and Body ConnectionsWhat is the difference between:

Visualization Mental imagery Self-hypnosis Meditation Guided imagery

Guided-imagery techniques utilize ALL the senses and are like thoughts with sensory qualities.

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Guided Imagery (GI) Encompasses a wide variety of techniques and strategies in

an effort to calm anxiety and heal physically and emotionally.

It is one of the types of relaxation exercises commonly taught

by psychotherapists.

It uses metaphors, storytelling, exploration and imagery.

People practice GI by listening to recorded guided-imagery

exercises OR allowing a therapist to guide them through a

personalized exercise.

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GI and Mesothelioma

Potential benefits of GI for people diagnosed with mesothelioma and

their caregivers:

Helps sleep problems

Reduces pain

Reduces stress and anxiety

Calms nausea

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GI Development

Ancient Greeks, Romans and Tibetan monks have documented

the use of visualization, meditation and imagery before modern

medicine developed.

Until the late 20th century, modern medicine physicians and

researchers viewed GI as “bunk.”

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GI Research, Health Benefitsand Healing

A surge in research and publications in the 1980s about the benefits of GI for patients with pain and chronic illnesses.

The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute provide ongoing funding for clinical trials investigating benefits of guided imagery in symptom management for cancer patients.

Studies are evaluating how GI impacts symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nausea, pain and fatigue.

Source: Oncology Nursing Society, “Prescribe the Power of Imagination for Patients with Cancer. Retrieved from

http://connect.ons.org/ons-connect-blog/prescribe-the-power-of-imagination-for-patients-with-cancer

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Who Shouldn’t Use GI?

People who suffer from the following shouldn’t use GI techniques

without close mental health care:

Post-traumatic stress disorder

History of childhood abuse, trauma or both

Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia)

Dementia

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Tips for Successfully Using GI

Find a quiet setting to practice Turn off your phone, and tell loved ones not to bother you for

about 30 minutes

Recline or lie down with your head, arms and legs

supported

Let go of your expectations You don’t have to do it perfectly to get the benefits of GI

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Tips for Successfully Using GI (cont.)

If you thoughts wander away from the GI

exercise, don’t panic! Just bring your

thoughts back to the exercise and pick up

where you left off.

Choose music that pleases you.

Practice makes perfect!!!

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Where to Find Guided Imagery?

CDs or download recorded GI exercises. Many times you

can sample the exercises, and see if you like them.

Join a guided-imagery class. Many hospitals and cancer

centers offer free guided imagery relaxation classes.

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Let’s Give It a Try…

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270