Guided Imagery in brief psychotherapy

This article by Rubin Battino discusses the use of Guided Imagery (GI) in brief psychotherapy sessions, particularly for clients dealing with performance anxiety and other concerns. GI, originally developed by Carl and Stephanie Simonton for cancer patients, uses mental imagery to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The article also introduces the concept of "secret therapy," where minimal client information is required to guide them through changes. Battino illustrates this with a case study involving a client named Anabel, who experiences performance anxiety. Through GI and ideomotor finger signalling, Anabel is guided to find her own solutions and achieve lasting change. The therapy leverages the client's internal resources and personal experiences, emphasising the importance of a therapeutic alliance while avoiding deep dives into the client's history or traumas.

  • Understand the origins and development of Guided Imagery (GI) as a therapeutic tool.

  • Explore the concept of "secret therapy" and its application in psychotherapy with minimal client information.

  • Examine the use of Guided Imagery in treating performance anxiety, illustrated through a case study.

  • Analyze the role of ideomotor finger signaling in consolidating therapeutic change.

  • Recognize the importance of leveraging a client's internal resources and life experiences in brief psychotherapy.

  • Discuss the therapeutic alliance's role in facilitating client-driven change without extensive exploration of past traumas.

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