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Imagery International Blog

Your source for the latest news about Guided Imagery, Imagery International, workshops, articles and products from our members.

Free Guided Imagery healing toolkit

November 10, 2011

Experience a new teaching tool where technology, science, nature and healing intersect! This is a sensorium and imagery visual palette for healing consciousness with the elements. Said Osio, a featured speaker at Imagery International’s Third Annual Conference, offers a free deeper guided Imagery healing toolkit on LinkedIn. His website is illuminated with images containing rich colors and complex patterning.

Said Osio

Experience where technology, science, nature and healing intersect! See a new kind of Powerpoint guided Imagery tool kit: Deeper Guided Imagery Centers and Liquid Light ( wait and read resource as well! ) /guided-imagery-resources/blog

With the ever evolving learning’s in neuro-biology, plasticity, mindfulness as well as an impressive array of creative energy expanding healing horizons in medicine, architecture and design technology the Guided Imagery Collective, exploring creating a deeper approach to healing energy and spirit mind-body consciousness, has developed its first offering and is releasing a new guided imagery toolset for health care professionals ( Nurses ) practitioners, caregivers, and anyone seeking healing intelligence. This is a free toolset for enhancing learning as well as expanding the building blocks of a visual healing intelligence. A Storyboard Tool Kit: Centers of liquid light.

This tool teaches a process for visual learning, a new visual language for deepening spirit mindbody and healing intelligence, where one can see oneself embodied in union, a visual language of healing symbolism, a stripped visual language as a vocabulary, a pattern language, accessing and tuning into the sensorium of energy through nature’s elements of earth, air, fire and water (the water element is the first release and fire scheduled as the second), a manuscript of nature’s grammar, its elements and the blueprint of living systems from DNA to cells and organs. See resources for free PDF download. http://www.guidedimagerycollective.org/guided-imagery-resources/blog or go to slide share to view the PowerPoint http://slidesha.re/hcEwwj

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Introducing the Amazing Amrita Cottrell

November 3, 2011

Welcome Amrita Cottrell. We offer a great big WELCOME to Amrita Cottrell who has joined us as Office Manager. Amrita is the Founding Director of The Healing Music Organization and the Co-Director of The Crystal Sound Institute.

Amrita Cottrell Office Manager

Her work in sound and healing music came from her own amazing recovery from breast cancer in 1999, when she was able to eradicate two tumors in as little as six weeks with the sound of her own voice. Amrita has a degree in the Health Arts and Sciences and is an inspiring teacher and public speaker. Also, she is an accomplished musician and singer. Her music artfully blends her playing of crystal singing bowls with her high, clear singing. She has shared her healing story and her work with the crystal bowls at the United Nations, as well as the NY Times and CBS News.

“I joined the staff of Imagery International because I really believe in the work. Having been through some dramatic health challenges in the past, and using visualization to assist in my healing, I wanted to support the great work of Imagery International. I’ve been involved in the work of healing with sound and music for the last twelve years. Imagery is just the perfect complement to the other work that I’m doing and would like to learn more.”

Thanks for joining our staff Amrita. We look forward to lots of great work and times together.

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In Remembrance: Dr. Mark Lawrence

October 21, 2011

Dr. Mark Lawrence, noted psychiatrist died on July 22, 2011.

Dr. Mark Lawrence

In 1984, he co-founded the Center for Healing and Imagery and taught workshops on using Imagery in therapy. Dr. Lawrence was a member of Imagery International (II) and lived in McLean, VA. He was a gifted clinician and teacher who created a powerful model that, in his words, “integrates the dynamic concepts and techniques of state-dependent learning, dissociation, hypnosis, imagery, and gestalt therapy.”

He kept up with the latest developments in neuroscience and had a brilliant and curious mind. He trained hundreds of therapists and was sought after as a consultant and a therapist.

A graduate of his program and II member, Gary Goodwin, had this to say: “Dr. Lawrence was a wonderful person and a masterful Imagery teacher. He was much beloved for his gentle, engaged, and generous manner. His unexpected passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him.”

We at II are saddened at this great loss to our Imagery community and the larger community of the world.

The Center of Healing and Imagery will continue with its wide list of Imagery training. Also, Dr. Lawrence had been co-authoring a book on ego states and Imagery with his daughter and it will be published in the near future.

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Welcome Janet Barr – Treasurer

October 17, 2011

We are delighted to welcome our new Treasurer extraordinaire – Janet Barr, CLFC, CLU, CDFA, MS. Janet is a financial adviser located in Santa Barbara, California. Her skills are much needed as it is clear it is time to evaluate which new programs can be funded. We have some projects aimed at public and professional education and interest in making our podcasts available to a wider audience through websites like iTunes and Podcast Alley.

Janet was introduced to us for the first time at the annual meeting during the 2011 Imagery

Janet Barr reports

conference. She is pictured here reporting on our healthy balance. She has been busy overhauling our way of doing business and offered software to facilitate collaboration between officers on projects. Wow is she energetic and full of ideas to move us forward in a cost effective fashion.

Janet’s business name is Collaborative Financial Solutions, LLC. Her address is 206 E. Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, California. For more information visit her website here.

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Specialties include:

Wealth management, socially responsible and green alternative energy investing, estate planning, divorce settlement planning and financial life planning.

It’s a good time to call 805-965-0101 when you are planning ahead or dealing with:

• Job Change – 401(k) Advice, Investment Selection, Benefits Analysis, Rollover

• Selling a home, business, and other assets in the most tax efficient manner

• Minimizing taxes, Tax Deferral and Tax Free investments

• Divorce or Contemplating divorce Getting Divorced Checklist

• Wanting a new relationship with your finances Starting Out Checklist

• Life happens/Protecting against serious loss: Disability, Life, and Long-Term Care, etc.

• Inheritance/Sudden Wealth/Lottery

• Retirement or nearing retirement

• Nearing Retirement Checklist

• Estate Planning Checklist

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ImagiNews: September 2011

October 5, 2011

A free electronic copy of June 2011 edition of ImagiNews is available here:

 http://imageryinternational.org/imaginews-journal

From the Co-Editors’ Desktops

By Bev Hollander, BSN, MS, HNB-BC and Judith Ewing, M.Ed., M.A., CIH

Bev Hollander

Wow, what a ride! I joined your Board in January of 2007. March 2007 was my first issue of ImagiNews, and I can hardly believe it – December’s issue will be 5 full years! I am feeling very proud of where we started and where we have come. From a single editorship we have evolved to a jointly shared effort. Yes, what a ride!!!

As we mentioned on our list-serve, Judith & I are a bit later than originally intended with this issue’s publication. We regret any inconvenience this delay may have caused you. As a benefit to all of us, the delay has given me the Opportunity to ponder my contribution and, for both of us, the Opportunity to create an even more spectacular issue for you.

Judith Ewing

Between the time spent on editing and the moment we put the issue “to bed,” Judith & I have the Opportunity to communicate regularly by email and telephone. The same optimism and excitement we feel when we decide on the issue’s theme comes full circle as we laugh together and finish the work that we believe so ably and aptly demonstrates that chosen theme. Combine that excitement with the joy of seeing the finished product from Jenn, our Graphics Designer, and we are always amazed at how professional and letters to us confirm we are on the right track.

Judith and I divided the editing process completely this time and, as a result, we are looking forward to reading some of your contributions for the very first time when it returns from Jenn. We hope you find our content educational and rewarding, as this is always our intention.

I am so grateful to Judith for her support and intelligent enrichment of this journal – your journal. And now is your Opportunity to contribute to our greatness with your wise words and stories for the December issue with its theme of Transitions. Judith and I anticipate continued joy in our work together so please give us something to “chew” and send it to us by Nov 10th. Send to: bev@ sheppardwest.com or judith1001@msn.com

Please remember, your Letters to the Editor are always welcome at any time – same email addresses.

Thank you for all you do!!!!!

Warmly,
Bev & Judith

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Conference Starts this Friday

September 27, 2011

Imagery International conference starts this Friday, September 30. Shhhhh the official deadline is past, but commuters will be welcome up to the start of the conference. See our conference page for more information.

Jann Fredrickson, LICSW

Jann Fredrickson-Ramus is our conference chair and MC. She is the most enthusiastic imagery practitioner I’ve ever met. That enthusiasm is unflagging and contagious. Coupled with her gift for teaching and leadership (she is a Past President of Imagery International and Imagery Person of the Year for 2005 and writes in ImagiNews under the byline ‘Imagery Here and There’) she has a knack for creating delicious, nurturing, enlightening and motivating gatherings. At her conferences not only do we learn about practical practice applications and intellectual stuff and earn CEUs for it, we enjoy playfulness and humor too. You are invited to sit back relax, enjoy and let your hair down.

If you are an energy psychologist, you will feel the energy of the room shift from contraction to expansion with grounding. There is something about our imagery conferences that goes on beneath the surface and carries a sense of well being beyond it.   If you are interested in learning more, want to improve your skills, meet with like minded people or be in the healing energy of our professional healers, come to Mercy Center in Burlingame this Friday, September 30.

Friday evening we will hold our annual meeting. The Imagery Person of the Year will be revealed. This year we will hold a silent auction. The public is welcome to come and bid on some very interesting items.

Speakers and Topics

Robin Gayle, PhD, MDiv, MFT, “Metaphoric Dialogue: Bringing Hope Alive”
Carl Hendel, MD: “The Neurobiology of Hope”
Lea Houston, MA: “Move, Breathe, and Imagine: Activating the Triple Power Keys to Body mind Healing and Transformation!”
Jenny Garrison, RN: “Expanding Open-Heartedness: Imagery as a Spiritual Practice”
Jose Said Osio: “Getting to a Newer, Richer Self by Accessing a Deeper Guided Imagery Pattern”
Jeanne M. Schul, PhD: “Dancing the Dream Image: Out of the Nightmare, Into the Light”
Susan Gold, MA: ”Using Imagery to Overcome Creative Blocks”

To find out more about our speakers, the program, or a look at their biographies visit the conference page.

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Conference Countdown

August 29, 2011

Registration for staying overnight at Mercy Center ends August 31. Go here to register. Commuters can register up to the day of the conference.

We have a fantastic line up of speakers.

Speakers and Topics

Robin Gayle, PhD, MDiv, MFT, “Metaphoric Dialogue: Bringing Hope Alive”

Carl Hendel, MD: “The Neurobiology of Hope”

Lea Houston, MA: “Move, Breathe, and Imagine: Activating the Triple Power Keys to Body mind Healing and Transformation!”

Jenny Garrison, RN: “Expanding Open-Heartedness: Imagery as a Spiritual Practice”

Jose Said Osio: “Getting to a Newer, Richer Self by Accessing a Deeper Guided Imagery Pattern”

Jeanne M. Schul, PhD: “Dancing the Dream Image: Out of the Nightmare, Into the Light”

Susan Gold, MA: ”Using Imagery to Overcome Creative Blocks”

To find out more about our speakers look at their biographies.

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Podcast August 2011: Gerald Epstein, MD

August 15, 2011

Dr. Epstein discusses the ways he works with Dreams and Imagerywith Juliet Rohde-Brown. In this fascinating discussion says that most of our difficulties are rooted in disturbed or disordered relationships of

Dr. Epstein

one sort or another. As the the mind and body form a unity, the physical illnesses are expressions of these relational difficulties. Working with imagery from dreams physical illness can be changed. From a spiritual perspecting, information in dreams is from the Source and provides valuable information about healing.

His latest podcast is found here.

A cornerstone of Jerry’s teaching is the use of mental imagery – also called guided imagery or visualization. Imagery has been used for thousands of years by healers and wisdom keepers of many cultures to heal the sick, to benefit the community, and connect to the Divine. All my teachings aim to encourage and preserve your freedom.

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Cancer Imagery Up-Regulates Immune Function

July 4, 2011

Cancer Imagery Up-Regulates Immune Function After All by Belleruth Naparstek, Monday, June 27, 2011

Belleruth Naparstek

Hello again.

I’ve been looking at the research and pondering how far we’ve come from those early days when we were first learning about guided imagery as a possible, bona fide addition to the cancer treatment toolkit.   Back in the 80’s when guided imagery was first getting promoted by Bernie Siegel, Stephanie & Carl Simonton, Jeanne Achterberg and Frank Lawlis, there was a lot of excitement about its potential. Early pilot studies showed a lot of promise (early studies often do – perhaps because of the excitement the investigators feel about their intervention), and there was a lot of talk about how ‘visualization’ could wipe out cancer cells. People were encouraged to imagine Pac-Men, a popular video game at the time, eating up cancer cells, before, during and after chemotherapy.

In those days, the imagery was strictly visual – the other senses were not called into play – and that made it hard for the half of the population that’s not especially well wired for visual memory or fantasy. We’ve since learned that all the senses need to be brought to bear, and that perhaps the most potent and impactful sense is the kinesthetic one – imagining the feel of things inside the body. We also figured out that for most people, when the imagery has a strong emotional flavor to it, it gets potentiated to a greater extent and has more impact.   The research at that time showed that the proponents of visualization were over-promising. These early visualizations helped cancer patients with motivation, coping, anxiety and the side effects of chemotherapy and other medical procedures but didn’t make a dent on the progress of the cancer itself. Investigators reluctantly backed off from their ambitious early claims and stuck with side-effects and coping benefits.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Podcast June 2011: Andrew Wagner, MD

June 25, 2011

Jann Fredrickson Ramus and Dr. Wagner’s Hospice discuss his work using Guided Imagery in Hospice and End of Life Care. They discuss sacred space and trusting the process as aspects of working with Guided Imagery.

Andrew Wagner, MD

Andrew is a Board Certified Family Physician, and previously worked as a primary care doctor for Kaiser Permanente for almost 15 years. He had special interests in sports medicine, HIV care, bioethics, and complementary medicine.

In 2000, after attending a series of workshops with Rachel Remen, MD, of the Commonweal Cancer Retreat Program and the Institute for the Study of Health and Illness, he decided to commit himself to a different career path. He completed the Academy of Guided Imagery training program, and became a certified practitioner.

His focus has been working with people with chronic medical conditions, including chronic pain and life threatening illnesses. His intention has been to create a collaborative relationship with his clients to help them identify and make decisions that are consistent with their goals and values. He is now in the midst of expanding into another arena of medical care, palliative medicine and hospice.

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