Indications and Contraindications

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While almost all people benefit from directed relaxation and stress reduction suggestions, imagery can be especially effective for the symptoms/behaviors below. Also note the short list of contraindications.

Indications

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Pain

  • Insomnia/Sleep Disturbance

  • Fatigue

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Substance Abuse

  • Grief

Contraindications

  • Organic Brain Syndrome

  • Psychosis

  • Prepsychosis

Patients with these conditions are often unstable. Use general relaxation techniques instead of imagery techniques because imagery can trigger unpleasant episodes.

In severe or acute occurrences, guided imagery is a good adjunct to medications and mental health interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy. In mild occurrences, or if patient declines any pharmacological or other therapeutic intervention, guided imagery can provide some symptom relief as a stand-alone intervention.

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