Guided imagery or guided visualization is a relaxation technique that uses mental visualization and sensory exploration to promote relaxation, stress reduction, healing, reduction of negative feelings, and other therapeutic benefits. The process is simple, one of the examples is simply to imagine a place that is peaceful and relaxing.

The goal is to help my client reduce anxiety/depression and improve her quality of sleep by using visualization and breathing practice. This 50 mins weekly session runs for 3 weeks, the progress will be checked with the client before each session begins.

Kayo is female, 58 y/o female, who lives with her daughter and her mother late 80’s mother lives alone in Japan. She was diagnosed SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Relate to Vaccine Administration) after COVID vaccination. She was in pain for months and she had a limited range of motion in her shoulder. Her mother developed dementia during the isolation due to pandemic restrictions. Kayo developed insomnia and depression due to her physical and mental condition.
Kayo wants to regain her ROM.

I met my client online 3 times, each session was 60 minutes. Each session started with a breath awareness practice and imagery; restorative poses were followed. The benefits of guided imagery can help to reduce physical and emotional stress. And restorative yoga can deeply relax the body, release muscular tension, and improve the range of motion, and flexibility. Breathing practice can increase relaxation response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Breathing practice can be done anytime, anywhere without
tools.
Benefits of Guided Imagery on WebMD;
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-to-know-about-guided-imagery

The branch of Yoga I used is Hatha Yoga for the Hatha Yoga, restorative poses, and breathing practice.

Kayo mentioned that her sleeping issue has become more serious in recent days. Kayo lives in NJ and her mother is in Japan, both live alone 7000 miles away. As her mom’s dementia progressed, she started worrying about her mom and Kayo was feeling very lonely. Kayo has divorced and her daughter started her own life after graduating college. She mentioned she would like to be close to her mom. Also she is frustrated by her shoulder pain because she does not see much improvement even though she is seeing PT regularly.

Kayo said she felt very relaxed and calm after each session. I would like her to talk to her mom more frequently and practice with her. I would like them to experience guided imagery together using their common memory as a theme, both of them would benefit from it and can talk about their old days after the practice.

My intended plan was applied, and the goals were met specifically for my client to learn how to practice restorative poses and alternate nostril breathing and 3 parts breathing to relax the mind. Kayo said she slowly moves her neck, and shoulders while she is at the desk to remove tension from her body.

What I learned through this client was that it is not easy but it is important for me as a therapist to have intake skills. Some clients including Kayo hesitate to disclose family matters like physical/mental issues, and problems in relationships. I think Japanese people tend to have this more than others. Many Japanese people feel embarrassed to talk about health/family problems with others.
And it is key for therapists to identify the causes and backgrounds to create care plans. Kayo started talking more and more as she felt relaxed after 1st session.

I will approach the same way if I face the same situation next time. Because the way I approach Kayo seems to be working well for her physical pain and insomnia. I will spend more time on intake to find the client’s relationships with friends, family, and others so that I may be able to use better scenarios for guided imagery.