Traditional hypnosis emerged in the 1800's, and typically guides clients into a sleep-like state while providing helpful (but often generalized) subconscious suggestions. In contrast, Guided Interactive Imagery is a form of "flow state" rather than hypnosis - and has been practiced since ancient times, although was made popular by Carl Jung in the mid-20th century. Guided Imagery accesses one's own intuitive guidance through the native language of the unconscious - images and metaphors. And while I am trained in classical hypnotherapy, I prefer working with Guided Imagery - as it's client-directed and therapist-guided; with clients remaining comfortably conversational during their session. Unlike traditional hypnosis, which uses a long induction to reach a hypnotic state, Guided Interactive Imagery offers a much more accessible technique - whereby clients utilize eyes-closed visualization, while remaining awake, aware and always in control. Additionally Guided Imagery is often considered more effective, as it shifts the role of the individual from a passive recipient to an active creator of their own experience.
Guided Imagery is practiced with a practitioner, as it requires the gentle flow of open-ended questions to "anchor" the client in their imagery, as well as help flesh out their scene or inner landscape. And by allowing a client to verbalize what they are naturally seeing in their mind's eye, it creates a connection between the conscious and unconscious. So rather than painting a mental picture for the client, e.g. - "Imagine you're in an old growth forest, with beautiful towering cedar trees." - the practitioner would begin the session with something like: "What does the landscape look like? - Are there any trees or structures? - Tell me more. - If you turned to your right, what do you notice there?." etc. By allowing the mind to construct its own imagery and mental map, we enable the unconscious mind to do what it does best - resolve presenting issues and access inner wisdom.
One does not need special visualization skills or a vivid imagination to practice Guided Interactive Imagery. Although those who are able to create mental pictures tend to have the most success with Guided Imagery. But it's important to note, this is a sensorial technique that uses all senses, not just inner vision. If an individual has difficulty creating mental pictures, they may be still be able to access the subconscious via sounds, emotions, bodily sensations, or simply a conveyance of information, i.e. flashes of insight.
The Conscious mind is our analytical and "everyday self," the one that returns emails, and goes grocery shopping, etc. And the Subconscious (while some think is the monster under the bed) - is actually more like a protective (but sometimes overzealous) guard dog, working tirelessly to keep us safe and comfortable. Next is the Superconscious - which is our inner wisdom, or "Higher Self." This is the part of ourselves with the unique ability to get a clear and insightful top view; making sense of things that can be too confusing for the Conscious and Subconscious mind.
The Conscious Mind (Your Everyday You & Logical Self)
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Handles daily decision-making, and problem-solving.
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Uses analytical and linear thinking to process information.
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Only able to focus on a few things at once, or often just one complex task at a time.
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Lower bandwidth - can process about 40 to 50 bits of information per second.
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Believes it's in charge, but the Subconscious is the primary driver.
The Subconscious Mind (Your Loyal Protector & Archivist)
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Is non-verbal and communicates via sensations, imagery, metaphors, and dreams.
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Operates on emotion and instinct, and is always active and engaged.
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Higher bandwidth - can process 20 million to over 400 billion bits of information per second.
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Holds all of our memories, experiences, and beliefs that have been stored since our beginning.
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Helps us avoid anything it perceives as threatening - although can become "over-protective" if holding onto unprocessed wounds (which can cause emotional and mental blocks.)
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In Guided Imagery we access the Subconscious to process, resolve and integrate presenting issues.
The Superconscious Mind (Your Inner Advisor & Healer)
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Our highest level of consciousness - a state of awareness, deep insight and inner wisdom.
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Functions beyond the individual ego, and often referred to as the Higher Self.
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Higher bandwidth - can process 20 million to over 400 billion bits of information per second.
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Communicates via intuition - i.e., gut feelings, "aha moments," dreams, and synchronicities.
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Connecting with this aspect of us brings a sense of calm, clarity and compassion.
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Can facilitate a mind-body connection that activates self-healing & interrupt pain signals.
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In Guided Imagery we access the Superconscious to aid in high-level insights & solutions to complex problems.
Guided Interactive Imagery's success is largely due to its ability to access a hybrid of both Theta (high) and Gamma (low) brain waves - creating a unique flow state that simultaneously activates high level processing and deep insight. High-frequency Gamma waves spike when we are fully engaged in solving complex tasks (like working on a puzzle or performing music, etc.) As for Theta, we typically only access briefly twice a day - 5-10 minutes prior to falling asleep, and 5-10 minutes just before we wake up. Interestingly EEG tests show that Theta brain waves facilitate deep insight and processing - as this handful of time is commonly associated with receiving "mental downloads," or quick intuitive hits. This is typically described as sudden flashes of insight, knowledge, or creative solutions that pop into the mind often just as we are waking up. This 5-10 minutes is considered a bridge to the unconscious, and often provides access to the Higher Self's inner wisdom. With Guided Imagery, this hybrid flow state seems to occur because we keep the mind relaxed (eyes closed) - although active and focused with a flow of open-ended questions (Gamma activation) - which extends the Theta state from its usual 5-10 minutes to 90 minutes. This allows clients to access an expanded place of insight and integration - which has the ability to facilitate profound shifts.
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Guided Interactive Imagery often produces noticeable shifts and benefits after one session - often due to the insights received while in the extended Theta state. One session is designed to provide significant inner guidance, emotional resolution, and healing, although additional sessions can be used for further exploration.