Guided Imagery: A Coping Strategy
When I first learned about visualization as a child, I thought of it as a technique to help me accomplish something. I remember hearing from my soccer coaches that if I could visualize something clearly enough, it could happen. For instance, if I saw myself making that goal from the left side of the soccer field, I could do it. At the time, I didn’t necessarily understand how to initiate that process or really settle into the idea of visualizing success. Now, it’s evident that visualization is not only a technique that can be used to achieve something but it can also help reduce pain, stress, and other symptoms.
I’m here to discuss guided imagery as this is “assisted visualization” in a way. Guided imagery can be defined as using words in an intentional way to evoke a relaxed state of mind. This form of imagery brings up positive mental images for an individual, helping them to create a daydream outside of the current stressful situation that they are in.
When an adult is able to read a script or ask specific questions of a child or teen, they are helping them fall into their imagination. As you can imagine, it takes conscious effort and focus to transition out of the present world. But, then imagine the difficulty in figuratively removing yourself from a chaotic, hospital environment. In a hospital, people are always coming and going and noise seems to come from everywhere. Hence, why having a guide to help you can be beneficial.
One misconception about guided imagery that I initially had was that it had to be completed by a particular certified professional to be effective. That is definitely not the case. A parent, a Child Life Specialist, or the bedside nurse can help your child achieve a meditative state. Here are a few recommendations I have for parents who are interested in trying it.
Be Mindful of the Script
Choose a theme that would be interesting to your child and is developmentally appropriate. As an example, if your child doesn’t find the beach to be a soothing place, probably best not to pick a beach theme. If your child is on the younger side and has never gone to a place like the one you’re describing, that could be difficult and almost frustrating for them. Also, when I say developmentally appropriate, I’m considering the language that is used in the script. Language is key because if your child doesn’t understand a lot of the words you’re saying, your guided imagery session becomes more of a teaching lesson. Finally, I recommend having two scripts on hand in case your child or teen isn’t responding to the first.
Pick the Time & Place
Personally, I love the idea of using guided imagery to help a child cope through a procedure. If it’s effective, it can help a child feel more calm and helps the procedure go by more quickly. However, I also acknowledge that sometimes there’s too much going on to be able to zone out. Or, there are medical procedures like a PICC line or NG (Nasogastric) tube where the medical team needs assistance or feedback from you at certain points. Guided imagery likely wouldn’t be appropriate in these situations.
A few medical scenarios or procedures I would recommend trying guided imagery with would be:
-before a surgery when you’re waiting during pre-op (to help calm the nerves)
-during an IV placement (to avoid watching the needle prick the skin)
-any kind of line removal (arterial line, IV, etc.).
-dialysis
-foley removal
Assess How Your Child is Doing
As you’re reading the guided imagery script, pay attention to how your child is responding nonverbally. Do you start to see their body relax? Maybe their breathing slows down? Or do you see them struggling to stay still? Perhaps, opening and closing their eyes repeatedly?
Use this opportunity to inquire what they may be feeling. There could be something blocking your child’s ability to be present and listen in or something else may be at play. Likely, they’re mentally preoccupied. They could be thinking about something else or maybe they need you to slow down in order to better focus on the sounds and visuals you are describing.
Don’t Force It
Finally, don’t push your child to take part in guided imagery if they are not feeling ready or open to it. Guided imagery is not therapeutic or effective if it’s forced. It’s also not something that can be easily accomplished. So, take time to try out different meditation scripts-maybe begin with a shorter script and see how your child responds. Then, take their feedback on the experience and move forward from there.