What is Stress: Guided Imagery for Addictions

Today's generation of children and teens is bombarded with media, music, and more pressures than ever before. Unfortunately, too many of these children have not been taught how to actively identify and communicate their feelings, including "I am scared," "I am lonely," or "I am mad."

They often bottle their emotions deep inside until they can't take the pressure any longer. They can become overwhelmed to the point of feeling out of control. This may lead to depression, a feeling of unworthiness, feeling guilty, and eventually low self-esteem.

When children and teens are not taught proper coping strategies, they may be tempted to cave in to peer pressures.

More and more teens and even preteens are turning to drugs, alcohol, and illegal substances such as pot, coke, ecstasy, or illegal prescription drugs as a way of coping with the many stressors that they are feeling.

Many children are starting as early as ten smoking cigarettes and participating in unsafe behaviors because they really don't think of anything past the moment. They don't consider the consequences.

According to the Academy of Family Physicians, harmful behaviors are usually a sign that the child/teen is overwhelmed, and that they are crying out for help.

According to AlfieKohn, renowned author and expert on parenting, teens want to make the right decisions; they want to please their parents and other adult authority figures. They want to make the right choices, but at the same time they want to fit in with their peers.

According to a recent article in Time Magazine, numerous studies have indicated that the brain is not fully developed to make decisions rationally until the age of 21.

As much as the teens rebel, they still need us to be a part of their lives. They still need adults to be a part of their decision making.

Children and teens are often spontaneous and think only of the moment; they don't think of the consequences. They need our help and intervention. They need tough love and unconditional support.

When you ignore the symptoms and are silent, it is giving them permission to continue their activities. Our children/teens need us to become educated and stay involved .Communication is the key.

For the most part, children and teens may not bring up what is going on around them. You, however, can identify many of the symptoms and keep the lines of communication open.

According to Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a calm, loving environment is the key. Be a positive role model. For a healthy two way conversation, children and teens can't feel like they are being attacked. Therefore,

Kids that learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors.

The key is to keep the communication flowing. Realize that all kids have one basic need - to be loved unconditionally and to know that they will be accepted even if they screw up or fall short.

In order for communication to take place, there must be a message being communicated and someone receiving the communication.

Guided Imagery is an active form of "focused communication between the narrator on the Guided Imagery CD and the listener."

Through the story, the children or teen can become aware of any feelings, challenges or difficulties that they are going through. Then by way of their own creative imagination, they can work through those issues.

They gain self confidence that they are learning strategies and independence by learning to cope in a healthy way.

Our Guided Imagery CD
Guided Imagery for Courage, Strength and Hope for Teens and Preteens,

has been the answer to so many prayers from parents, teachers, and children/teens themselves.

It helps our children come to grips with what they are feeling, then gives them an opportunity, by way of the words on the CD to "let them go in a healthy way" and move forward in their lives. They can be helped; you have taken the first step through awareness and concern. It is a journey, but with healthy coping skills you and your child can make it through this.

Self Harming, Self Injury, Eating Disorders
The Use of Guided Imagery CDs Can Help

Guided Imagery, Inc.
Life Coaching Resource Center
Meet Diane Tusek
President, Founder of Guided Imagery, Inc.
President, Founder of Life Coaching Resource Center

"You are not alone"

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Over the past 30 years, Diane Tusek
has successfully “guided” over 1 million people
with her world renowned researched Guided Imagery CDs

Diane’s world-renown Guided Imagery Research has been considered "the benchmark research ” in the world. Diane is recognized as one of the most respected and compelling experts in the field of Guided Imagery.

Diane Tusek's Guided Imagery CDs are rated #1 in the world by many wishing to decrease stress, anxiety, pain and enhance a person's coping skills. They are recognized as being instrumental in allowing others to gain control back into their lives.

Self injury is not something that people want to talk about. However, it is estimated that 2 to 3 million Americans self harm. It is in epidemic proportions. The majority of people who self -injure are women between the ages of 13 and 30, but there are harmers ("cutters", injurers, etc) of every age, gender, and economic group.

People who practice self injury behaviors are not usually suicidal. They do however, intentionally inflict injuries upon themselves, usually in response to an enormous amount of stress or trauma in their life. Self Injury or harming (i.e. cutting, burning, scratching) may vary from minor cuts that heal quickly to very serious wounds that leave permanent scars. This is also known as "Deliberate Self-Harm Syndrome". bodyseigebook

If you or someone you know is a cutter, burner or practices harmful behaviors such as self injury, please get professional help right away.

In his book Bodies Under Siege, Favazza states: "Self injury usually indicates that somewhere during development that person didn't learn good ways of coping with overwhelming feelings or stress.

They’re not sick or insane; they just never learned positive ways to deal with feelings and emotions for various reasons.

Positive coping skills can be learned at any point in life. People who self-injure can learn to use new and healthier coping mechanisms. This process may take years to develop with the help of a skilled therapist familiar with this condition.

The late Princess Diana's word's shocked the world when she admitted in a television interview that she intentionally cut her arms and legs and had thrown herself down a flight of stairs on more than one occasion. FINALLY, self-injury -- the practice of deliberately cutting, scratching, burning, or otherwise injuring one's own body -- was about to come out of the closet. After that interview thousands of self-injury survivors called or wrote the media in response to that interview in just the United States alone.

Cutting seems to be the most common type of self-injury. "Cutters" often use razors, utility knives, scissors, needles, broken glass, or whatever they find to make repetitive slices on their arms, legs or other body parts. Some people burn themselves with cigarettes or lighters, others pull out their own hair.

Many people who self harm or self injure say they do it because they normally feel "numb" and cutting helps them to "feel alive." Others talk about the "sense of control" they may get from self-injury. This may be the first time or thing that they have felt a sense of control in their lives. Most agree that incidents of self-injury are triggered by stress and anxiety..

Self-injury (i.e., cutting, burning, etc. ) is usually kept secret, and the "cutter" often feels deep shame and guilt from this ritual. People who self injure or practice the unhealthy behavior of cutting or burning are at risk for infections if their wounds are not treated properly. Permanent scarring can also result from self injury and often does. Many people who self injure wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and turtlenecks even in warm weather to conceal the marks they've left on their own bodies from cutting or burning.."

The pressures of our children and teens today has taken on toll of epidemic proportions. It is reported that over 8 million children and teens have resorted to self harming (i.e. self injury, self mutilization, cutting, burning, etc) out of a sense of relief from the pain that they are feeling inside.

Individuals who practice the behavior of self injury or self harming by way of cutting or burning tend to be dysphoric and spontaneous. They often have deep rooted emotional issues that they are not able to deal with in a healthy way. They are often suffering from depression. In addition, they often have mood swings and levels of depression, rejection and some underlying feeling of rejection, despondency worthlessness.

In a clinical research study on self injury (i.e. self harming, self mutilization, etc) Herpertz (1995) states that "...usually some sort of interpersonal stressor, increases the level of dysphoria and tension to an unbearable degree.

The painful feelings become overwhelming: it's as if the usual underlying uncomfortable affect is escalated to a critical maximum point. "Self injury behavior has the function of bringing about a transient relief from these [high levels of irritability and sensitivity to rejection]," This conclusion is supported by the Research Self Injury / Self Harming study by Haines and her colleagues.

According to The American Pediatric Association, "individuals o razor

often look at they self harming and self injuring behavior as a way of dealing with unbearable sorrow or tension in their life." They have not "learned how to communicate or cope in a healthy way.

Another Research study on self harming and self injury suggests that the chemical wiring in the brain may often determine who self injures and who doesn't. Simeon et al. (1992)

They discovered that individuals who self injure tend to be extremely angry, impulsive, anxious, and aggressive, and presented evidence that some of these traits may be linked to deficits in the brain's serotonin system. Zweig-Frank et al. (1994) also suggest that degree of self injury or self harm may be related to serotonin dysfunction.

Self harming (i.e. Self Mutilization, Cutting, Burning, Bulimia, Anorexia, Self Injury, etc) has been defined as hurting oneself to relieve emotional pain or distress. The most common forms of this behavior is cutting or burning.

Many adolescents and teens today are struggling to cope with an enormous amount of stress in school, at home, and in relationships. Many of these youths are over scheduled and feel pressured and hurried. They are often overwhelmed by the internal and external stresses of family responsibilities, homework, sports, and expectations by teachers and friends.

They haven't been taught how to cope in a healthy way. Children and btmad

teens often have unresolved feelings that they are unable to express, such as anger, extreme sadness, loneliness, shame, depression, and guilt.

Some people actually feel that dealing with physical pain is easier than dealing with emotional pain. Self injury is often a way that people can punish them self. They often feel unworthy, guilty, and are encapsulated with low self-esteem.

They are confused by their feelings and are embarrassed to come forth and talk to anyone about them. They become withdrawn, isolated and can fall deeper and deeper into depression. It's called many things -- self inflicted violence, self injury, self-harm, para suicide, delicate cutting, self-abuse, self-mutilation (this last particularly seems to annoy people who self-injury).

Tracey Alderman describes in her book, Scarred, "Self injury is the act of attempting to alter a mood state by inflicting physical harm serious enough to cause tissue damage to one's body."

Children and teens that self harm are not crazy, they are not suicidal. They are kids from all walks of life, males and females and from every social economic family. They are kids that haven't learned to properly manage their stress and emotions properly.

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Self harmers don't do it because they have bad parents, or come from a bad family. They do it because they don't know how to deal with this bottled up rage and anguish inside of them.

They need help, they need intervention from a person that is not directly involved with them. They need a professional therapist that is qualified to work them through the many issues and emotions that they are dealing with.

There is hope, and they can get better. They need support, patience and unconditional love.

Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) is a simple, well researched relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life. Guided Imagery Meditation can be used by young children all the way up through the elderly.

Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function. The use of a Guided Imagery CD is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management.

Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery,) is a relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life.

Guided Imagery can be used on a one on one process. However, most individuals choose to experience Guided Imagery by way of Guided Imagery Products : (i.e. Guided Imagery CDs, Guided Meditation CDs, Guided Visualization CDs.). has been clinically proven to promote wellness and optimize overall health.

Numerous Guided Imagery Research Studies have shown that Anxiety and Pain can be reduced by up to 65% within minutes. Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function.

Guided Imagery is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management. Guided Imagery has been around for centuries, it has been termed by many words:

"...Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process.

Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel.

Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth.

Many people salivate when they do this. This exercise demonstrates how your body can respond to what you are imagining. You can achieve a relaxed state when you imagine all the details of a safe, comfortable place, such as a beach or a garden. This relaxed state may aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance.

It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitudes, health, and sense of well-being.- - Web MD.

Guided Imagery Meditations is a simple, safe tool to aid in relaxation. There are no known risks are associated with it. Guided imagery is a process of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. (It can be done one-on-one or by way of a Guided Imagery CD.).

Guided imagery or visualization is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel.

Guided Imagery may help a person who self injures feel mo rainbow

re in control of their emotions and thought processes, which may improve their attitude, health, and sense of well-being.

Our Guided Imagery CDs assist individuals to reflect on where they are in life, evaluate where they want to be and gently "guide them" to the place that they want to be.

Click here to view our Guided Imagery products

Guided Imagery Process: secludedbeach

Thousands of patients have stated that they instantly feel relaxed, tranquil and at peace while listening to the Imagery CD as well as afterwards.

Guided Imagery is a simple relaxation technique that can teach a person healthy coping skills that can follow them through the rest of their life.

The use of a Guided Imagery CD has been clinically shown to bring an individual to a state of tranquil relaxation in a matter of minutes. It gives a person self confidence that they are able to take control over their mental and physical well being.

Guided Imagery by way of a Guided Imagery CD has shown to be an effective way of coping with the the enormous pressures that self injurers feel inside. If you are coming to this site as a person who is self-harming, or a concerned loved one or parent. It is important to realize that in order for a person to recover, they must get to the root of "what they are feeling." It is not uncommon to not know the answer. Individuals with severe traumas often keep them embedded deep inside.

Behind every self harming or self injury act, is a deep psychological core issue. Uncovering the The start to recovery is developing healthier communication and coping strategies.

Guided Imagery by way of a Guided Imagery Products (ie. Guided Imagery CDs) has been shown to have a powerful and very effective impact on not only recovery, but also teaching individuals that recovery is possible. They need to develop more that what they are feeling is ok and that it is important to cope in a healthy way.

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In an eye-opening Guided Imagery Research Study on for Self Injury and Self Harming, Haines et al. (1995) led groups of self-injuring and non-self-injuring subjects through guided imagery technique sessions.

Each person experienced the same four scenarios in random order: a scene in which aggression was imagined, a neutral scene, a scene of accidental injury, and one in which self-injury was imagined. The guided imagery scripts had four stages: scene-setting, approach, incident, and consequence.

During the guided imagery sessions, physiological arousal and subjective arousal were measured. The results were astonishing. Subject reactions across groups didn't differ on the aggression, accident, and neutral scripts.

However, In the Self Harming or Self Injury Guided Imagery Script, the control groups went to a high level of arousal and stayed there throughout the script, in spite of relaxation instructions contained in the "consequences" stage. In contrast, self-injurers experienced increased arousal through the scene-setting and approach stages, until the the decision to self-injure was made. Their tension then dropped, dropping even more at the incident stage and remaining low.

These results provide strong evidence that self-injury provides a quick, effective release of physiological tension, which would include the physiological arousal brought on by negative or overwhelming psychological states.

As Haines et al. states, Self injury (i.e. self harming or self mutilators) often are unable to provide explanations why they practice the self-injury behavior Participants reported continued negative feelings despite reduced psychophysiological arousal. This result suggests that it is the alteration of psychophysiological arousal that may operate to reinforce and maintain the behavior, not the psychological response.

In other words, self-injury may be a preferred coping mechanism rainbow

because it quickly and dramatically calms the body, even though people who practice self injury may have very negative feelings after an episode.

They feel bad, but the overwhelming sychophysiological pressure and tension is gone. Herpertz et al. (1995) Self mutilators usually disapprove of aggressive feelings and impulses. If they fail to suppress these, their findings indicate that they direct them inwardly.

Guided Imagery (Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) is a relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life. It can be used by young children all the way up through the elderly.

Guided Imagery has been shown to promote wellness and optimize overall health. Numerous Guided Imagery Research Studies have shown that Anxiety can be reduced by up to 65%, and it has been shown to decrease pain and bring a person to a state of tranquility in a matter of minutes.

Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function.

Guided Imagery is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management.

The world renown benchmark Guided Imagery Research Study at The Cleveland Clinic (i.e. Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program) and Washington Hospital Center in the 90's brought Guided Imagery to the forefront for health care, corporations, schools and everyday homes for health maintenance.

Most importantly, Guided Imagery (Meditations) gives a person back control of their life. They are able to settle down. Guided Imagery for Insomnia has made a tremendous impact on individuals around the globe.

The world renown benchmark Guided Imagery Research Study at The Cleveland Clinic and Washington Hospital Center in the 90's brought Guided Imagery to the forefront for health care, corporations, schools and everyday homes for a healthy way to cope with stress, anxiety and traumatic issues often too difficult to talk about.

Guided Imagery is an important and valuable tool for any person young or old to com britthead

e to grips with what they are feeling.

They learn techniques to identify "why" they are feeling the way they are. By words of the story on the Guided Imagery (i.e., Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) CD to help them:

They are embraced with the feeling that they are a special unique individual and are no different than anyone else. The use of Guided Imagery by way of a Guided Imagery CD is a new beginning, a new direction on their journey of life. They can and they will move though this. They are going to be ok.

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Guided Imagery is a valuable tool to help the young all the way to adulthood to learn simple, safe and refreshing techniques to help them cope in a healthy way for the rest of their lives.

Our Guided Imagery CD, Courage, Strength and Hope for Teens and Preteens, gives a teen tools to work through their emotions, let them go, and move forward in their lives. It is possible to get better; they just need to learn new and healthy coping skills.

Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization) CD Courage, Strength and Hope for Teens and Preteens has been used by thousands of teens to help them find root causes for their issues and work through any emotions they may be dealing with. It also has been shown to teach them positive coping skills that they can use for a lifetime.

Courage, Strength and Hope for Teens and Preteens has made a lifestyle change for not only the teens, but the entire family.

The world renown benchmark Guided Imagery Research St covebeach

udy at The Cleveland Clinic (i.e. The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program) and Washington Hospital Center in the 90's brought Guided Imagery to the forefront for health care, corporations, schools and everyday homes for health maintenance.

Most importantly, Guided Imagery (Meditations) by way of a Guided Imagery CD gives a person back control of their life. They feel a sense of deep relaxation, tranquility, and peace.

Here is just a quick overview of results of a variety of Guided Imagery Research Studies. (For more detail see below as well as our Guided Imagery Research Packet).

Hot off the Press Guided Imagery Research:

Trakhtenberg ED. The effects of Guided Imagery on the immune system: a critical review. International Journal of Neuroscience. 2008 Jun;118(6) pgs 839-55.

A critical review out of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California, examined the research on guided imagery’s effects on the immune system. The author states that studies suggest that guided imagery can:

reduce stress and elevate the immune system;
that cell-specific imagery affects corresponding white blood counts (WBCs), neutrophils and/or lymphocytes;
that decreases in white blood counts occur in the initial stages of GI and relaxation, due to fluctuations in WBC production or margination;
and that changes in WBC count or adherence occur earlier in medical patients.

The study concludes with thoughts about where further investigations should go, including the definition of the ideal white blood count; the effects of long-term practice of guided imagery; and the influence of cell-specific imagery on WBCs.

Researchers at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio found that people with cancer who used guided imagery while receiving chemotherapy felt more relaxed, better prepared for their treatment and more positive about care than those who didn't use the imagery technique.

Several studies suggest by Kekolt and Blazer at Ohio State as well as Danish researchers indicated that imagery can boost the immune system significantly Danish researchers found increased natural killer cell activity among ten college students who imagined that their immune systems were becoming very effective. Natural killer cells are an important part of the immune system because they can recognize and destroy virus-infected cells, tumor cells and other invaders.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pa and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio found that seven people who suffered from recurrent canker sores (fever blisters) in their mouths and on their lips significantly reduced the frequency of their outbreaks after they began visualizing that the sores were bathed in a soothing coating of white blood cells.

Imagery can also help alter menstrual cycles and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In a preliminary study, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that 12 of 15 women, ages 21 to 40, who used imagery for three months lengthened their monthly menstrual cycles by an average of nearly four days and slashed their perceived levels of premenstrual distress in half. They also reported fewer mood swings.

At the University of South Florida in Tampa, researchers asked 19 men and women, ages 56 to 75, who had chronic bronchitis and emphysema to rate their levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue and discomfort before and after they began using imagery. The researchers concluded that imagery significantly improved the overall quality of these people's lives.

A clinical study at Yale demonstrated that patients suffering from severe depression were helped by imagining scenes in which they were praised by people they admired, indicating a significant boost to their self-esteem. joedepressed

Visualization and other relaxation methods may produce significant benefits, often by helping to ease pain and lift depression. Research is continuing to determine whether even more spectacular results can be achieved.

A controlled study of fifty-five women examined the effects of imagery and relaxation on breast milk production in mothers of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. They received a twenty-minute audiotape of progressive relaxation followed by guided imagery of pleasant surroundings, milk flowing in the breasts, and the baby's warm skin against theirs. They produced more than twice as much milk as compared to those receiving only routine care.

In another study, a group of metastatic cancer patients using daily imagery for a year achieved significant improvements in NK cell activity and several other measures of immune functioning.

At Michigan State University, researchers found that students could use guided imagery to improve the functioning of certain white cells called neutrophils, important immune cells in defense against bacterial and fungal infection. They could also decrease, but not increase, white cell counts.

At one point in the study, a form of imagery intended to increase neutrophil count unexpectedly caused a drop instead. Subsequently, students were taught imagery explicitly intended to keep the neutrophil count steady, while increasing their effectiveness. Both of these goals were achieved.

Medical Resource: Holisticonline.com, Mayo Clinic, Penn State Hospital Research web site.

1. Tusek, Diane, R.N., B.S.N.: AACN Clinical Issues Advanced Practice in Acute and Critical Care. Strategies for Implementing a Guided Imagery Program to Enhance Patient Experience. February, 2000. Guided Imagery for Heart Disease and Heart Surgery has become standard of care in for Cardiac patients (heart procedures or heart surgery) around the globe. The use of Guided Imagery CDs have made a turnaround in the care of the cardiac patient.

2.Ackerman CJ, Turkoski B. Using guided imagery visualizations to reduce pain and anxiety. Home Healthc Nurse 2000;Sep, 18(8):524-530;quiz, 531. The use of a Guided Imagery CDs have been clinically proven in numerous studies to decrease pain, anxiety and provide a sense of relaxation.

3. Antall GF, Kresevic D. The use of guided imagery CDs to manage pain in an elderly orthopedic population. Orthopedic Nurs 2004;23(5):335-340.

4. 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. The use of guided imagery provides a sense of peace and relaxation to the breast cancer patient.

5. Halpin LS, Speir AM, CapoBianco P, Barnett SD. Guided imagery in cardiac surgery. Outcomes in Management & Nursing Practice, 2002 Jul-Sep;6(3):132-7. The use of Guided Imagery CDs has a significant impact on surgical preparation, post op pain, anxiety and overall patient well being for heart surgery recovery. Guided Imagery has become standard of care for many Cardiac Surgery Procedures around the globe.

6. Huth MM, Broome ME, Good M. Guided Imagery (visualization) reduces children's post-operative pain management. Pain. 2004 Jul;110(1-2):439-48.

7. Holden-Lund "Effects of relation with Guided Imagery (Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) on surgical stress and wound healing." Research in Nursing and Health 1998 11(4) 235-244.

8. Mannix, L, Tusek D, Solomon, G: Effect of Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Visualization, Imagery, ) on Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. May 1999, Vol. 39, Number 5. The use of guided imagery CDs for headaches decreased the onset, severity of headaches and enhanced the quality of life. The Guided Imagery Headache Research Study was conducted at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. It has now been established into the The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program.

9. Oz, M., M.D. (2000). Quoted in the article, Healing From the Heart: A Leading Heart Surgeon Explores the Power of Complementary Medicine. Dec. 12.

10. Oz, M.C., Lemole, E.J., Oz, L.L., Whitworth, G.C., Lemole, G.M. (1996). Treating CHD with Cardiac Surgery Combined with Complementary Therapy. Medscape Womens Health, Oct;1(10):7.

11. Olness, K “Imagery (self-hypnosis) visualization, meditation as adjunct therapy in childhood cancer.” Am. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology for Cancer Patients 3 (3) 313-320 (1991).

12. Tusek, Cwynar, Cosgrove: The Journal of Cardiovascular Management. March/April 1999. The Guided Imagery Research Study for or Heart Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program for Heart Surgery) with patients undergoing heart surgery (cardiac surgery). Patients that listened to the Guided Imagery CDs had a significant decrease in pain, stress and anxiety. Guided Imagery for Heart Surgery revealed that cardiac surgery patients left the hospital two days sooner than the patients that did not listen to the Guided Imagery CDs.

13. Tusek, Diane, R.N., B.S.N..: Catheterization -Lab Digest: May 1999, Vol 7, Number 5. Guided Imagery Research indicates that simple, non-invasive methods, such as Guided Imagery for heart patients (cardiac patients) an opportunity for a temporary "mentally escape" prior, during and after procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and surgery. Dr. Riner states that "Guided Imagery for Cardiac patients by way of Guided Imagery CDs should become routine standard of care". Guided Imagery for surgery has now become routine and standard of care for the surgical patient.

14. Tusek, Diane, Church J., Fazio V.: AORN, October 1997. Vol. 66. No. 4. The use of Guided Imagery for surgical preparation by way of a Guided Imagery C.D. is a simple, low-cost therapeutic tool that can help counteract the fears and anxieties of patients and family members for Colorectal Surgery. Guided Imagery for surgery has made a significant impact on a surgical patient's overall patient satisfaction.

15. Tusek D, Church J., Strong S., Grass J., Fazio V.: Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. February 1997, Vol. 49, No.2. The use of a Guided Imagery CD for Surgical preparation and post operative recovery for colorectal patients showed that Guided Imagery significantly decreased pre and post op anxiety, pain and length of hospital stay of the colorectal surgical patient.

The use of Guided Imagery cds for surgery preparation uses the power of thought to influence psychological and physiologic states. This Guided Imagery Research study showed that the use of a Guided Imagery Meditation CD or Guided Imagery tape prior, during and post colorectal surgery had a significant decrease in pain, stress management, anxiety and narcotic consumption. Guided Imagery for surgery has now become standard of care

16. Tusek, Diane: The Journal of Invasive Cardiology. April 1999 Vol 11. No. 4. This article emphasized the many uses of a Guided Imagery CD in hospitals. It primarily discusses the impact of Guided Imagery for Heart Disease and Guided Imagery for Heart Surgery and Cardiac Surgery. Guided Imagery Research studies have shown that the use of Guided Imagery CDs can significantly reduce stress, pain, side effects of treatments, blood pressure, headaches and strength immune functioning. Guided Imagery for insomnia has also shown to enhance sleep and promote more vivid, peaceful dreams.

17. Riner, R, Tusek D. .: Guided Imagery Visualization by way of Guided Imagery CDs and Other Forms of Alternative and Integrative Medicine - Trend or Aberration? Where Does Guided Meditation Visualizations Fit in Your Cardiac Patient Practice? The Journal of Invasive Cardiology. April 1999.

This article written by Dr. Riner, a clinical cardiologist and President and CEO of a professional advisory and healthcare management consulting firm. It stresses the importance of the use of Integrative Medicine such as Guided Imagery for Heart Disease (Cardiac Disease) and Guided Imagery for Heart Surgery. This article discusses the use of Guided Imagery in clinical practice from the viewpoint of a cardiac physician. Dr. Riner states that the use of Guided Imagery by way of guided imagery cds for Cardiac Patients should be routine standard of care.

18. Wachelka D, Katz RC. Reducing test anxiety and improving academic self-esteem with junior high, high school and college students with learning disabilities. (ADD, ADHD, panic disorders, bipolar disease, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) . J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 1999;Sep, 30(3):191-198.

19. Bennett H, Disbrow E. Mind Body Medicine: How to use your mind for better health. Yonkers New York: Consumer Report Books. 1999.

20. Dossey, B., Guzzetta C. Implications for bio-psycho-social-spiritual concerns in cardiovascular nursing. J. Cardiovascular Surgical Patient Nurs 1994:8(4) 72-88.

21. A 1998 Mayo Clinic study concluded that psychological stress is the strongest predictor of cardiac events. Another Mayo clinic study showed that men who experienced high anxiety were six times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death.

22. A Harvard Medical School study of 1,122 heart attack survivors stated that those who remained calm during emotional conflicts had half the risk of repeat heart attacks. The use of Guided Imagery by way of guided imagery cds can have a significant effect for cardiac patients. (The Harvard Mind/Body Institute).

23. Lengacher CA, Bennett MP, Gonzalez L, Gilvary D, Cox CE, Cantor A, Jacobsen PB, Yang C, Djeu J. Immune responses to Guided Imagery for breast cancer treatment. Biological Research for Nursing. 2008 Jan; 9 (3): pages 205-14. clengach@health.usf.edu.

24. Dipietro JA, Costigan KA, Nelson P, Gurewitsch ED, Laudenslager ML. Fetal responses to induced maternal relaxation during pregnancy and Labor and Delivery. Biological Psychology. 2007 Aug 31;

25. Ackerman CJ, Turkoski B. Using guided imagery to reduce pain and anxiety. Home Healthc Nurse 2000;Sep, 18(8):524-530;quiz, 531. Guided Imagery has been clinically proven to decrease pain and anxiety as well as decrease insomnia and enhance sleep quality. .

26. Afari N, Eisenberg DM, Herrell R, et al. Use of alternative treatments (integrative medicine) by chronic fatigue syndrome discordant twins. 1096-2190 2000;Mar 21, 2(2):97-103.

27. Ahsen A. Guided Imagery treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse and Guided Imagery for addictions: : a new methodology for treatment and research. J Mental Imagery 1993;17(3-4):1-60.

28. Antall GF, Kresevic D. The use of Guided Imagery CDs for post operative pain management in an elderly orthopedic surgery patient population. Orthopedic Pain Nurs 2004;23(5):335-340.

29. 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. The use of interventions can significantly decrease anxiety for cancer treatments and the cancer patient.

30. Baird CL, Sands L. A Guided Imagery pilot study of the effectiveness of Guided Imagery with progressive muscle relaxation to reduce chronic pain and pain management and mobility difficulties of osteoarthritis. Pain Management Nurs 2004;5(3):97-104.

31. Ball TM, Shapiro DE, Monheim CJ, et al. A pilot study of the use of guided imagery C.D.'s for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Clin Pediatric Patient (Phila) 2003;Jul-Aug, 42(6):527-532. The use of Guided Imagery CDs for pediatric surgery preparation, surgery and pain management has shown to have a dramatic impact on post operative recovery of the pediatric patient.

32. Baumann RJ. Behavioral treatment of migraine headaches in children and adolescents. Pediatric Drugs 2002;4(9):555-561. The use of a Guided Imagery for Headaches or migranes has been clinically researched and proven to reduce headaches by 62%. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. can be used in conjunction with medicine for Headache Treatments.

33. Brown-Saltzman K. Replenishing the spirit by meditative prayer and guided imagery. Semin Oncology Patient Nurs 1997;Nov, 13(4):255-259.

34. Burns DS. The effect of the method of guided imagery and music on the mood and life quality of cancer patients and cancer treatments. . J Music Ther 2001;Spring, 38(1):51-65.

35. 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. The use of Guided Imagery for Cardiac Disease has been clincially proven to enhance the recovery for Heart patients.

36. 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. The use of Guided Imagery CDs decrease the feelings of isolation and enhances well being. It also decreases insomnia, depression, and enhances sleep.

37. 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. The use of Guided Imagery CDs for anorexia and bulimia nervosa has an impact on the overall self confidence and emotional well being of a bulimia patient. Guided Imagery for an eating disorder is highly effective.

38. Esplen MJ, Garfinkel PE, Olmsted M, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the use of a guided imagery C.D. in bulimia nervosa. Psychol Med 1998;Nov, 28(6):1347-1357. Guided Imagery by way of guided imagery cds is an effective tool to be used along with standard treatment for eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulemia).

39. 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. The use of Guided Imagery CDs for Fibrromyalgia Pain has been shown to be highly helpful for Fibromyaligia patients in Fibromyalgia treatments. Guided Imagery also decreases fibromyalgia insomnia.

40. Gimbel MA. Yoga, meditation, and Guided imagery: clinical applications. Nurse Pract Forum 1998;Dec, 9(4):243-255. The use of Guided Imagery CDs in hospitals has a significant effect on the overal outcomes of patients.

41. Groer M, Ohnesorge C. Menstrual-cycle lengthening and reduction in premenstrual distress through guided imagery. J Holistic Nurs 1993;11(3):286-294. The use of the Integrative Medicine technique: Guided Imagery cds . for pre menstral syndrome has assisted many women come to a state of relaxation, calm and tranquility within minutes.

42. 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. The use of a Guided Imagery Meditation CD has clinically proven to enhance immune functioning.

43. Halpin LS, Speir AM, CapoBianco P, et al. Guided imagery in cardiac surgery. Outcomes Manag 2002;Jul-Sep, 6(3):132-137. The use of Diane Tusek's Guided Imagery CD . for Heart Surgery has had a significant impact on post op pain, anxiety and overall patient satisfaction for the cardiac patient. Halpin has initiated a Guided Imagery Program to model The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program for Heart Surgery.

44. Hernandez NE, Kolb S. Effects of relaxation on anxiety in primary caregivers of chronically ill children. Pediatric Patient Nurs 1998;Jan-Feb, 24(1):51-56. The use of relaxation techniqes and Guided Imagery by way of Guided Imagery cds for Pediatric patients has enhanced the well being of children and their families.

45. Holden-Lund C. Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Guided Imagery Research Nurs Health 1988;Aug, 11(4):235-244. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. has a significant impact on wound healing.

46.Ilacqua GE. Migraine headaches: coping efficacy of guided imagery training. Headache 1994;Feb, 34(2):99-102. The use of a Guided Imagery CD has clinically proven to decrease the intensity and duration of a headache.

47. Johnstone S. Guided imagery: a strategy for improving relationships and human interactions. Aust J Holist Nurs 2000;Apr, 7(1):36-40. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. has been shown to enhance a person's self confidence, and assist them in enhancing personal and professional relationships.

48. Kaluza G, Strempel I. Effects of self-relaxation methods and visual imagery on IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology 1995;209(3):122-128. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. has been used successfully with Glaucoma surgical patients.

49. Klaus L, Beniaminovitz A, Choi L, et al. Pilot study of guided imagery use in patients with severe heart failure. Am J Cardiology 2000;86(1):101-104. The use of Guided Imagery by way of a Guided Imagery C.D. has clinically been proven to decrease blood pressure, angina, cause vasodilatation and enhance the overall well being of the Cardiac Patient with Heart Disease.

50. Kolcaba K, Fox C. The effects of guided imagery on comfort of women with early stage breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Oncology Cancer Nurs Forum 1999;26(1):67-72. The use of a Guided Imagery CD for breast cancer in women dealing with the fears of upcoming breast surgery has proven to be clinically effective. It has become increasingly popular as an adjunct for cancer treatments and cancer surgery. .

51. Kvale JK, Romick P. Using imagery for role transition of midwifery students for Pregnancy and Delivery. J Midwifery Womens Health 2000;Jul-Aug, 45(4):337-342. The use of Guided Imagery CDs for Pregnancy and Guided Imagery for Labor and Delivery has shown to have an impact on the woman's ability to relax, and stay focused on the pregnancy and labor and delivery process.

52. Kwekkeboom KL, Kneip J, Pearson L. A pilot study to predict success with guided imagery for cancer pain. Pain Management. Nurs 2003;4(3):112-123. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. has shown to decrease pain by up to 65%. Guided Imagery is a proven and effective tool for cancer patients and pain management..

53. Lambert SA. The effects of hypnosis/guided imagery on the postoperative course of children. J Dev Behav Pediatric Surgical Patient 1996;Oct, 17(5):307-310. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. for Pediatric Surgery and pediatric surgery preparation has had a dramatic effect on the pediatric patient and their family.

54. Wilson, Strong, Drummer D. The use of Guided Imagery for Pediatric Heart Surgery. 1999;13(3): 249-256. The simple, low cost, no risk tool of a Guided Imagery CD has an effective and worthwhile impact on the Pediatric Heart Surgery patient.

55. Lewandowski WA. Patterning of pain and power with guided imagery. Nurs Sci Q 2004;17(3):233-241. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. has clinically been proven to decrease pain, anxiety and the overall satisfaction of patients for surgery preparation and post operative recovery period and pain management of the surgery patient.

56. Louie SW. The effects of guided imagery relaxation techniques in people with COPD. Occup Ther Int 2004;11(3):145-159. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. for COPD has been clinically shown to have an impact on broncodilitation and relaxation in the COPD patient.

57. Maguire BL. The effects of Guided imagery visualization on attitudes and moods for multiple sclerosis patients. Alternative Therapies Health Med 1996;2(5):75-79. Integrative Medicine.

58. Mannix LK, Chandurkar RS, Rybicki LA, et al. Effect of Integrative medicine i.e. guided imagery on quality of life for patients with chronic tension-type headache. Headache 1999;39(5):326-334. The use of Diane Tusek's Guided Imagery CDs have been shown to be an effective adjunct to the treatment of the Headache patient and Migranes.

59. Marr J. The use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery C.D. and Music in spiritual growth. J Pastoral Care 2001;Winter, 55(4):397-406.

60. 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 1999;Jul, 16(4):390-400.

61. Moody LE, Fraser M, Yarandi H. Effects of guided imagery in patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Clin Nurs Res 1999;2(4):478-486.

62. Ott MJ. Imagine the possibilities: guided imagery for children, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Pediatric Nurs 1996;Jan-Feb, 22(1):34-38. The use of a Guided Imagery CD for pediatric patients has been shown to decrease anxiety and produce a sense of peace and calm in childrens.

63. Rees BL. Effect of relaxation with guided imagery for anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas. J Holist Nurs 1995;Sep, 13(3):255-267.

64. Rossman ML. Interactive Guided Imagery as a way to access patient strengths during cancer treatment. Integrated Medicine Cancer Therapies 2002;Jun, 1(2):162-165. The use of a Guided Imagery C.D. for Cancer Treatments has been shown to decrease fears, anxieties, and produce a sense of peace and calm in cancer patients. The use of Guided Imagery has increasingly been an effective adjunct in cancer treatments and Cancer Surgery for the cancer patient. .

65. Sloman R. Relaxation and guided imagery for anxiety and depression control in community patients with advanced cancer and cancer treatments. Cancer Nurs 2002;Dec, 25(6):432-435.

66. Speck BJ. The effect of a guided imagery CD upon first semester nursing students performing their first injections. J Nurs Educ 1990;Oct, 29(8):346-350. The simple, low cost use of a Guided Imagery CD has shown to decrease the level of anxiety for first semester nursing students. It has a profound impact on decreasing insomnia and producing a sense of peace and relaxation. It is also an effective tool for pain management techniques.

67. Spiegel D, Moore R. Imagery and hypnosis in the treatment of cancer patients. Oncology (Huntingt) 1997;Aug, 11(8):1179-1189; discussion, 1189-1195. Guided Imagery is an effective addition to the standard of care for cancer treatments, cancer surgery and the cancer patient.

68. 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. Guided Imagery for MRI

69. Troesch LM, Rodehaver CB, Delaney EA, et al. The influence of a guided imagery CD on chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting. Oncol Nurs Forum 1999.;20(8):1179-1185.

70. Tusek Diane , Church JM, Fazio VW. Guided imagery for surgery preparation as a coping strategy for surgical patients. AORN J 1997;Oct, 66(4):644-649.The use of a Guided Imagery CD for surgery preparation had a significant impact on decreasing anxiety, stress, pain and post operative recovery. It is an effective tool to be used along with standard pain management techniques. . The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program issues a complementary Guided Imagery C.D. to all Cardiac Surgical Patients.

71. Tusek DL, Church JM, Strong SA, et al. Guided imagery: a significant advance in the care of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Dis Colon Rectum 1997;40(2):172-178. Guided Imagery for Surgery Preparation and Post Operative Recovery. The use of a Guided Imagery Meditation C.D. is effective in surgery preparation and post operative recovery and patient satisfaction along with pain management.

72. Tusek DL, Cwynar RE. Strategies for implementing a guided imagery program to enhance cardiac surgery experience. AACN Clin Issues 2000;Feb, 11(1):68-76. The Cleveland Clinic Guided Imagery Program for Heart Surgery delivers a complementary Guided Imagery CD to all Heart Surgery patients prior to Cardiac Surgery.

73. Wichowski HC, Kubsch SM. Increasing diabetic self-care through guided imagery. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 1999;Dec, 5(6):159-163. The use of a guided imagery visualization C.D. has clinically been proven to decrease blood sugar levels and provide relaxation.

74. 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. The use of a Guided Imagery CD for caregivers has been shown to provide healthy boundaries and provide as sense of relaxation for caregivers. Guided Imagery Techniques are highly encouraged for Health Care Providers.

75. Holpit. Guided Imagery is an effective treatment for individuals suffering from addictions and self harming behaviors such as (smoking, weight loss, self harming, cutting, bulemia, anorexia nervosa.) AACN Clin Issues 2001.

76. Rossman ML. Interactive Guided Imagery as a way to access patient strengths during cancer treatment. Integrated Medicine Cancer Therapies 2002;Jun, 1(2):162-165. The use of a Guided Imagery cd for Cancer Treatments has been shown to decrease fears, anxieties, and produce a sense of peace and calm in cancer patients. The use of Guided Imagery has increasingly been an effective adjunct in cancer treatments and Cancer Surgery for the cancer patient.

77. Trakhtenberg ED. The effects of Guided Imagery on the immune system: a critical review. International Journal of Neuroscience. 2008 Jun;118(6) pgs 839-55.

78. Catlett JA Stress Managment Study: Pregnant Adolescents Using Guided Imagery. Conclusion Pregnant Adolescents reduced depression, anxiety and stress scores after listening to Diane Tusek's Prenatal/Pregnancy Guided Imagery CD.

79. Garfinkel PE, Olmsted M, Gallop RM, Kennedy S. A randomized controlled trial of guided imagery in people with anorexia and bulimia nervosa .Psychol Med 2008. Nov;28(6):1347-57. The study revealed a 74% decrease in purging by those individuals who used the guided imagery cds.

80. Patterson DR, Wiechman SA, Jensen M, Sharar SR.Hypnosis imagery delivered through immersive virtual reality for burn pain and burn dressing changes for the burn patient. . : A clinical case series. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 2006 Apr; 54 (2): pages 130-42. davepatt@u.washington.edu

81. Richardson J, Smith JE, McCall G, Richardson A, Pilkington K, Kirsch I. Hypnosis for nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy: a systematic review of the research evidence. European Journal of Cancer Care (Engl). 2007 Sep;16 (5): pages 402-12. janet.richardson@plymouth.ac.uk.

82. Wyatt G, Sikorskii A, Siddiqi A, Given CW. Feasibility of a reflexology and guided imagery intervention by way of a guided imagery cd during chemotherapy: results of a quasi-experimental study. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2007 May;34 (3): pages 635-42. gwyatt@msu.edu

83. Wachelka D, Katz RC. Reducing test anxiety and improving academic self-esteem in high school and college students with learning disabilities by way of relaxation techniques and guided imagery cds. Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. 1999 Sep;30 (3): pages191-8. The use of guided imagery and relaxation showed significant reduction in test anxiety on the TAI, as well as improvement in study skills and academic self-esteem, as measured by the Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes, and the school scale of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory.

84. Esplen MJ, Garfinkel PE, Olmsted M, Gallop RM, Kennedy S. A randomized controlled trial of guided imagery in bulimia nervosa.Psychol Med 1998 Nov;28(6):1347-57. The use of guided imagery by way of a guided imagery cd is an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa.

85. Domar AD, Clapp D, Slawsby EA, Dusek J, Kessel B, and Freizinger M. Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women. Fertility and Sterility, 2000 Jul;74(1):190 The use of integrative therapies significantly increased fertility rates compared to the control group.

86. Ginandes CS, Rosenthal Dl. Using hypnosis to accelerate the healing of bone fractures: a randomized controlled pilot study. Alter Ther Health Med. 1999 Mar; 5(2):67-75 Clinical results showed the guided imagery group that used a guided imagery tape significantally improved wound healing than the control group. Results showed reduction of swelling, simimulation of tissue grouth, mobility and enhanced bone strength than the control group.

87. Oman D, Shapiro SL, Thoresen CE, Plante TF. The use of meditation and imagery decreases stress and supports forgiveness among college students: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Am. College Health. 2008 Mar-Apr; 56 (5): pages 569-78.

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