11 replies to this topic

[calmcookie]

I'm not sure why many people are afraid of hypnosis. Enlightened physicians and other therapists have adopted the term "Guided Imagery" or "Guided Memory" because it may seem less controlling (less frightening or occult like?). All that said, it does work to change behaviour ... and it's the ONLY way that many people can consistently STICK to better health habits. The results can be amazing and are remarkably long lasting.


The information in this monograph was reviewed by The Faculty at Harvard Medical School, with final editing approval by Natural Standard.

Scientific Review of "Guided Imagery" - Natural Standard reviewed more than 270 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

Some of the studies include:

Ackerman CJ, Turkoski B. Using guided imagery to reduce pain and anxiety. Home Healthc Nurse 2000;Sep, 18(8):524-530;quiz, 531.
Afari N, Eisenberg DM, Herrell R, et al. Use of alternative treatments by chronic fatigue syndrome discordant twins. 1096-2190 2000;Mar 21, 2(2):97-103.
Ahsen A. Imagery treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse: a new methodology for treatment and research. J Mental Imagery 1993;17(3-4):1-60.
Antall GF, Kresevic D. The use of guided imagery to manage pain in an elderly orthopaedic population. Orthop Nurs 2004;23(5):335-340.
Baider L, Peretz T, Hadani PE, et al. Psychological intervention in cancer patients: a randomized study. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2001;Sep-Oct, 23(5):272-277.
Baird CL, Sands L. A pilot study of the effectiveness of guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation to reduce chronic pain and mobility difficulties of osteoarthritis. Pain Manag Nurs 2004;5(3):97-104.
Ball TM, Shapiro DE, Monheim CJ, et al. A pilot study of the use of guided imagery for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2003;Jul-Aug, 42(6):527-532.
Barak N, Ishai R, Lev-Ran E. [Biofeedback treatment of irritable bowel syndrome]. Harefuah 1999;Aug, 137(3-4):105-107, 175.
Baumann RJ. Behavioral treatment of migraine in children and adolescents. Paediatr Drugs 2002;4(9):555-561.
Brown-Saltzman K. Replenishing the spirit by meditative prayer and guided imagery. Semin Oncol Nurs 1997;Nov, 13(4):255-259.
Burke BK. Wellness in the healing ministry. Health Prog 1993;Sep, 74(7):34-37.
Burns DS. The effect of the bonny method of guided imagery and music on the mood and life quality of cancer patients. J Music Ther 2001;Spring, 38(1):51-65.
Castes M, Hagel I, Palenque M, et al. Immunological changes associated with clnical improvement of asthmatic children subjected to psychosocial intervention. Brain Behav Immun 1999;Mar, 13(1):1-13.
Collins JA, Rice VH. Effects of relaxation intervention in phase II cardiac rehabilitation: replication and extension. Heart Lung 1997;Jan-Feb, 26(1):31-44.
Crow S, Banks D. Guided imagery: a tool to guide the way for the nursing home patient. Adv Mind Body Med 2004;20(4):4-7.
Dennis CL. Preventing postpartum depression: part II. A critical review of nonbiological interventions. Can J Psychiatry 2004;49(8):526-538.
Esplen MJ, Garfinkel PE. Guided imagery treatment to promote self-soothing in bulimia nervosa: a theoretical rationale. J Psychother Pract Res 1998;Spring, 7(2):102-118.
Esplen MJ, Garfinkel PE, Olmsted M, et al. A randomized controlled trial of guided imagery in bulimia nervosa. Psychol Med 1998;Nov, 28(6):1347-1357.
Fors EA, Sexton H, Gotestam KG. The effect of guided imagery and amitriptyline on daily fibromyalgia pain: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2002;May-Jun, 36(3):179-187.
Gaston-Johansson F, Fall-Dickson JM, Nanda J, et al. The effectiveness of the comprehensive coping strategy program on clinical outcomes in breast cancer autologous bone marrow transplantation. Cancer Nurs 2000;Aug, 23(4):227-285.
Gimbel MA. Yoga, meditation, and imagery: clinical applications. Nurse Pract Forum 1998;Dec, 9(4):243-255.
Groer M, Ohnesorge C. Menstrual-cycle lengthening and reduction in premenstrual distress through guided imagery. J Holist Nurs 1993;11(3):286-294.
Gruzelier JH. A review of the impact of hypnosis, relaxation, guided imagery and individual differences on aspects of immunity and health. Stress 2002;Jun, 5(2):147-163.
Halpin LS, Speir AM, CapoBianco P, et al. Guided imagery in cardiac surgery. Outcomes Manag 2002;Jul-Sep, 6(3):132-137.
Hernandez NE, Kolb S. Effects of relaxation on anxiety in primary caregivers of chronically ill children. Pediatr Nurs 1998;Jan-Feb, 24(1):51-56.
Hewson-Bower B, Drummond PD. Psychological treatment for recurrent symptoms of colds and flu in children. J Psychosom Res 2001;Jul, 51(1):369-377.
Holden-Lund C. Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Res Nurs Health 1988;Aug, 11(4):235-244.
Hosaka T, Sugiyama Y, Tokuda Y, et al. Persistent effects of a structured psychiatric intervention on breast cancer patients' emotions. Psychiatric Clin Neurosci 2000;Oct, 54(5):559-563.
Hudetz JA, Hudetz AG, Klayman J. Relationship between relaxation by guided imagery and performance of working memory. Psychol Rep 2000;Feb, 86(1):15-20.
Hudetz JA, Hudetz AG, Reddy DM. Effect of relaxation on working memory and the Bispectral Index of the EEG. Psychol Rep 2004;95(1):53-70.
Ilacqua GE. Migraine headaches: coping efficacy of guided imagery training. Headache 1994;Feb, 34(2):99-102.
Johnstone S. Guided imagery: a strategy for improving relationships and human interactions. Aust J Holist Nurs 2000;Apr, 7(1):36-40.
Kaluza G, Strempel I. Effects of self-relaxation methods and visual imagery on IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmologica 1995;209(3):122-128.
Klaus L, Beniaminovitz A, Choi L, et al. Pilot study of guided imagery use in patients with severe heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2000;86(1):101-104.
Kolcaba K, Fox C. The effects of guided imagery on comfort of women with early stage breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum 1999;26(1):67-72.
Kvale JK, Romick P. Using imagery for role transition of midwifery students. J Midwifery Womens Health 2000;Jul-Aug, 45(4):337-342.
Kwekkeboom KL, Kneip J, Pearson L. A pilot study to predict success with guided imagery for cancer pain. Pain Manag Nurs 2003;4(3):112-123.
Lambert SA. The effects of hypnosis/guided imagery on the postoperative course of children. J Dev Behav Pediatr 1996;Oct, 17(5):307-310.
Laurion S, Fetzer SJ. The effect of two nursing interventions on the postoperative outcomes of gynecologic laparascopic patients. J Perianesth Nurs 2003;Aug, 18(4):254-261.
Lecky C. Are relaxation techniques effective in relief of chronic pain? Work. 1999;13(3):249-256.
Lewandowski WA. Patterning of pain and power with guided imagery. Nurs Sci Q 2004;17(3):233-241.
Louie SW. The effects of guided imagery relaxation in people with COPD. Occup Ther Int 2004;11(3):145-159.
Maguire BL. The effects of imagery on attitudes and moods in multiple sclerosis patients. Altern Ther Health Med 1996;2(5):75-79.
Mannix LK, Chandurkar RS, Rybicki LA, et al. Effect of guided imagery on quality of life for patients with chronic tension-type headache. Headache 1999;39(5):326-334.
Manyande A, Berg S, Gettins D, et al. Preoperative rehearsal of active coping imagery influences subjective and hormonal responses to abdominal surgery. Psychosom Med 1995;Mar-Apr, 57(2):177-182.
Marks IM, O'Dwyer AM, Meehan O, et al. Subjective imagery in obsessive-compulsive disorder before and after exposure therapy: pilot randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry 2000;176:387-391.
Marr J. The use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music in spiritual growth. J Pastoral Care 2001;Winter, 55(4):397-406.
McKinney CH, Antoni MH, Kumar M, et al. Effects of guided imagery and music (GIM) therapy on mood and cortisol in healthy adults. Health Psychol 1997;Jul, 16(4):390-400.
Mehl-Madrona L. Complementary medicine treatment of uterine fibroids: a pilot study. Altern Ther Health Med 2002;Mar-Apr, 8(2):34-6, 38-40, 42, 44-46.
Moody LE, Fraser M, Yarandi H. Effects of guided imagery in patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Clin Nurs Res 1993;2(4):478-486.
Moody LE, Webb M, Cheung R, et al. A focus group for caregivers of hospice patients with severe dyspnea. Am J Palliat Care 2004;21(2):121-130.
Moore RJ, Spiegel D. Uses of guided imagery for pain control by african-american and white women with metastatic breast cancer. 1096-2190 2000;Mar 21, 2(2):115-126.
Murray LL, Heather Ray A. A comparison of relaxation training an syntax stimulation for chronic nonfluent aphasia. J Commun Disord 2001;Jan-Apr, 34(1-2):87-113.
Norred CL. Minimizing preoperative anxiety with alternative caring-healing therapies. AORN J 2000;Nov, 72(5):838-840, 842-843.
Ott MJ. Imagine the possibilities: guided imagery with toddlers and pre-schoolers. Pediatr Nurs 1996;Jan-Feb, 22(1):34-38.
Peeke PM, Frishett S. The role of complementary and alternative therapies in women's mental health. Prim Care 2002;Mar, 29(1):183-197, viii.
Rees BL. An exploratory study of the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol. J Holist Nurs 1993;Sep, 11(3):271-276.
Rees BL. Effect of relaxation with guided imagery on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas. J Holist Nurs 1995;Sep, 13(3):255-267.
Rosen RC, Lewin DS, Goldberg L, et al. Psychophysiological insomnia: combined effects of pharmacotherapy and relaxation-based treatments. 1389-9457 2000;Oct 1, 1(4):279-288.
Rossman ML. Interactive Guided Imagery as a way to access patient strengths during cancer treatment. Integr Cancer Ther 2002;Jun, 1(2):162-165.
Rusy LM, Weisman SJ. Complementary therapies for acute pediatric pain management. Pediatr Clin North Am 2000;Jun, 47(3):589-599.
Sloman R. Relaxation and imagery for anxiety and depression control in community patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Nurs 2002;Dec, 25(6):432-435.
Sloman R. Relaxation and the relief of cancer pain. Nurs Clin North Am 1995;Dec, 30(4):697-709.
Speck BJ. The effect of guided imagery upon first semester nursing students performing their first injections. J Nurs Educ 1990;Oct, 29(8):346-350.
Spiegel D, Moore R. Imagery and hypnosis in the treatment of cancer patients. Oncology (Huntingt) 1997;Aug, 11(8):1179-1189; discussion, 1189-1195.
Stevensen C . Non-pharmacological aspects of acute pain management. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 1995;Jun, 1(3):77-84.
Thompson MB, Coppens NM. The effects of guided imagery on anxiety levels and movement of clients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Holist Nurs Pract 1994;Jan, 8(2):59-69.
Troesch LM, Rodehaver CB, Delaney EA, et al. The influence of guided imagery on chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Oncol Nurs Forum 1993;20(8):1179-1185.
Turkoski B, Lance B. The use of guided imagery with anticipatory grief. Home Healthc Nurse 1996;Nov, 14(11):878-888.
Tusek D, Church JM, Fazio VW. Guided imagery as a coping strategy for perioperative patients. AORN J 1997;Oct, 66(4):644-649.
Tusek DL, Church JM, Strong SA, et al. Guided imagery: a significant advance in the care of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. this Colon Rectum 1997;40(2):172-178.
Tusek DL, Cwynar RE. Strategies for implementing a guided imagery program to enhance patient experience. AACN Clin Issues 2000;Feb, 11(1):68-76.
Wachelka D, Katz RC. Reducing test anxiety and improving academic self-esteem in high school and college students with learning disabilities. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 1999;Sep, 30(3):191-198.
Walco GA, Ilowite NT. Cognitive-behavioral intervention for juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol 1992;Oct, 19(10):1617-1619.
Walco GA, Varni JW, Ilowite NT. Cognitive-behavioral pain management in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Pediatrics 1992;Jun, 89(6 Pt 1):1075-1079.
Walker JA. Emotional and psychological preoperative preparation in adults. Br J Nurs 2002;Apr 25-May 8, 11(8):567-575.
Walker LG, Heys SD, Walker MB, et al. Psychological factors can predict the response to primary chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 1999;Dec, 35(13):1783-1788.
Weber S. The effects of relaxation exercises on anxiety levels in psychiatric inpatients. J Holist Nurs 1996;Sep, 14(3):196-205.
Wichowski HC, Kubsch SM. Increasing diabetic self-care through guided imagery. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 1999;Dec, 5(6):159-163.
Wills L, Garcia J. Parasomnias: epidemiology and management. CNS Drugs 2002;16(12):803-810.
Wynd CA. Personal power imagery and relaxation techniques used in smoking cessation programs. Am J Health Promot 1992;6(3):184-189.
Yip KS. The relief of a caregiver's burden through guided imagery, role-playing, humor, and paradoxical intervention. Am J Psychother 2003;57(1):109-121.
Zachariae R, Oster H, Bjerring P, et al. Effects of psychologic intervention on psoriasis: a preliminary report. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;Jun, 34(6):1008-1015.
Evidence

Many more I could list .... but, you get the idea.

Best to all, C.C.

Edited by calmcookie, 15 July 2007 - 05:29 PM.

[vitaminm]

http://www.well.com/user/woa/

[calmcookie]

Hello Vitamin man, I glanced at your link, but didn't open all the sections. Wondering what your point is. Are you saying that this is a good resource for addiction? Just curious, thanks. C.C.

[vitaminm]

Hello Vitamin man,

I glanced at your link, but didn't open all the sections. Wondering what your point is. Are you saying that this is a good resource for addiction? Just curious, thanks.

C.C.

If it's not a good resource for addiction you may try this link.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

[calmcookie]

But as per my opening comment ... the solutions appear to be clear. Am not seeking other options. In any case, have a good day. C.C.

[OEXCHAOS]

I heard you can use hypnosis to get women to do "anything". I'm approaching an age when I may have to use hypnosis to get them to stop! M

[TTHQ Staff]

I'm not sure why many people are afraid of hypnosis. Enlightened physicians and other therapists have adopted the term "Guided Imagery" or "Guided Memory" because it may seem less controlling (less frightening or occult like?). All that said, it does work to change behaviour ... and it's the ONLY way that many people can consistently STICK to better health habits. The results can be amazing and are remarkably long lasting.

1. I don't think anyone is *afraid* of hypnosis. In general, I've found that most people make the immediate connection to the entertainment industry, e.g. the college hypnosis guru on stage that gets susceptible, eager-to-please coeds to pretend to be chickens and dance because the stage is on fire. In this light, no one is really afraid of hypnosis, it's just that the first thing that comes to most people's minds seems to be that it's a joke, a novelty like card tricks and the rubber pencil thing.

2. The only thing that changes people's behaviours is themselves. Meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis-- whatever you want to call it-- can be a calming experience, it relaxes the subject and creates an opportunity for self-reflection. That's great, but if the right motivation isn't behind better health habits (i.e. they actually WANT to eat celery instead of eating the yummy deep fried crab cakes for a REASON beyond that's what someone told them to do.) as quickly as the notion fades, so will the behaviour.

Example: I was a pack a day smoker from the time I was 18. I started when I was 16. Yes, it WAS cool, but more importantly, I LIKED smoking. It made me FEEL calm. It took me 14 years to quit. Of course, I only tried twice. The first time I decided to quit was because I was with someone (also a heavy smoker) who decided THEY wanted to quit. (by the way... quitting something because someone ELSE is doing it, or starting something [like exercising] because of someone ELSE'S motivations usually fails as soon as the other person's motivations wane.) In the end, they didn't quit smoking and I soon gave up trying. Heck, I really didn't want to quit anyway.

8 years later, I decided to quit for myself, and I did. (btw: the nicotine patch was a key aide for helping me quit. I could focus on changing my behaviour, (not inhaling smoke) while separating out and controlling the physical desire for the drug.)

So here's my point: ANY type of behaviour modification program --guided or otherwise-- MUST be intrinsically motivated by the subject's desire to change to the stated goal(s). Without that, it will fail. Unless you hold a gun to their head 24/7. ( I'm told that also works rather well if you have the time.)

So why does hypnosis commonly fail in modifying behaviour? Why are the results so inconsistent? Because the variations in the subjects. You can't make a person do what they don't WANT to, regardless of what they TELL you they want.

Short version: It only works on subjects already disposed to the modification in the first place. And every single person cited in that long list of references will tell you exactly the same thing.

[maineman]

"Enlightened physicians...." what's that? Seriously, Hypnosis has undergone tremendous research and has been a big disappointment. It is wonderful to believe that something so simple would be useful, but unfortunately the research proves otherwise. Short term ANY distraction will help with chronic pain, dying, fear, etc. Even blood pressure can be reduced, WHILE someone is distracted, but long term there is no benefit. Like massage, for instance. Feels great but won't fix a broken bone or slipped disc. The comments above are entirely true, though. Whenever someone seriously wants to solve something, they will. i.e. behaviour CAN be modified. One can obtain bad behaviour and one can develop good behaviour. mm

[calmcookie]

Hello TTHQ STAFF - I agree that people will not change unless they are intrinsically motivated to do so. Forgive me, but that seems obvious. Don't think I've ever written anything to imply otherwise. And you concluded by writing: "And every single person cited in that long list of references will tell you exactly the same thing." Can I ask how you know this? Or why you would write such an obviously inaccurate statement? It would be nice to have an intelligent / non hostile discussion ... not sure why this doesn't happen on the H & S board. Such is life ... off for a swim. C.C. (and Mark - You're a sweet man - can't you clone yourself so I have someone smart and fun to talk to? :-)

Edited by calmcookie, 19 July 2007 - 06:14 PM.

[TTHQ Staff]

Hello TTHQ STAFF - I agree that people will not change unless they are intrinsically motivated to do so. Forgive me, but that seems obvious. Don't think I've ever written anything to imply otherwise.

I'm glad you agree. So many assume that their *cure* will work no matter what. Of course, we all know that to be false. But it did need to be stated. Sometimes the obvious DOES need repeating lest some forget just how obvious it is.

And you concluded by writing:

"And every single person cited in that long list of references will tell you exactly the same thing."
Can I ask how you know this? Or why you would write such an obviously inaccurate statement?

You're absolutely right. There's no way I could possibly know what that entire group of people would say. That was of course, an exaggeration. What I SHOULD have said is that with 20 years+ of PhD Psychology as experience, anyone who says otherwise is either a fraud, (in which case you really shouldn't be citing charlatans as references for your work) or they are lying to get published. It's a basic tenet of Psychology.

And beside the fact, the full quote, "Short version: It only works on subjects already disposed to the modification in the first place. And every single person cited in that long list of references will tell you exactly the same thing." Is what I believe you just agreed to in your first comment.

See? Even YOU know it's true.

Now, in general I wouldn't use retorts such as "...why you would write such an obviously inaccurate statement?". This isn't a NIMH or APA Board. We should all learn to recognize playful banter and exaggeration as a means of amicable communication. It is intended to get a point across. Being snide just weakens your position and and in the end is simply non-productive.

Good luck.