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IMAGINE THAT
What do the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Dartmouth Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, Columbia University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins have in common besides being world class institutions?
These acclaimed teaching hospitals have joined the list of leaders in the use of guided imagery to enhance patient care and reduce stress.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of California provides a guided imagery tape to pre-operative patients to reduce anxiety before surgery, help cope with pain, and assist in post operative healing. As reported in Oprah Magazine, the Blue Cross study found guided imagery increased patient satisfaction and cut costs by $2,000 per patient. Imagery can strengthen the immune system, lower heart rate and blood pressure, decrease pain and headaches, enhance sleep, assist in labor and delivery, and reduce pulmonary symptoms, asthma, and emphasema. In addition, guided imagery can help people cope with losses, (death, relationships, divorce, jobs) and assist in smoking cessation, weight loss and chronic pain reduction. It's a simple tool that has been shown to increase self-confidence, assertiveness, enhance work performance, career and personal goals, build creativity and motivation.
Chicago psychotherapist and life coach, Deborah Bindler, LCSW, owner of Life Choices is one of over thousands of health professionals and only a few in Chicago who have been certified as an Imagery Guide by the Academy for Guided Imagery, founded by Dr. David Bresler, Clinical Health Psychologist, Associate Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine, and Dr. Martin Rossman, MD, Director of the Collaborative Medical Center in Mill Valley, California, Associate of UCSF Medical School.
Guided imagery's can increase an individual's ability to manage stress, find solutions to problems, make important leadership and career decisions, and connect with the body's natural healing abilities through accessing the unconscious mind. Unlike the constant chatter of our conscious mind, quieting the unconscious contains the answers to what may be contributing to our pain, anxiety, inability to make important decisions or arrive at creative solutions. Imagery utilizes client's self-created imagery to explore goals, hopes and gain insight into situations, setting the next step for a course of action.
Interactive Guided Imagery differs from hypnosis and guided imagery because it utilizes the client's own imagery which is more specific and empowering than suggestions using a pre-determined script. It allows a trained imagery guide to evoke the insight, motivation and resources needed for change directly within the client's own imagination. It teaches people to use their imagination to evoke relaxation instead of anxiety, problem-solving rather than helplessness, and self-confidence instead of self-denigration. The interactive process results in a mutual approach for healing and personal growth.
Drs. Bressler and Rossman acknowledge that who we really are is much more that what we think. We are also the richness of our intuitions, emotions, feelings, memories, drives, fantasies, goals, appetites, aspirations, expectations, ambitions, values, passions, beliefs, perceptions, and sensations." Rather than suffer the results of neglecting these parts of ourselves, we can focus attention on them in a relaxed state of mind, and invite images that represent them to "come to mind." By properly dialoguing interactively with these images, we can reconnect with important and powerful inner resources that are deeply dedicated to protecting us and improving the quality of our lives."
Life Choices also offers individual in-person and telephone sessions designed to help professionals overcome procrastination, learn effective time management, decrease worry and stress, build creativity and productivity, increase memory and problem-solving. To find more information about the benefits of using imagery to improve your health and life, visit lifechoicescoaching.com.
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Q: Dear Debbie: I consider myself to be a pretty creative person, thinking of new ideas for work projects all the time. Lately, though, I feel stuck and uninspired. I enjoy knowing I'm "on track" and firing on all cylinders. I try to think of stimulating ideas for growing new business, but nothing comes to mind. Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong and what I need to do to return to my former creative self?
A: First of all, you need to stop labeling your temporary lack of creativity as "right or wrong." Since you've said that you've been "firing on all cylinders" in the past, that means you can probably feel that passion and get your creative juices flowing in the future ---or NOW.
Using your imagination and a series of exercises designed to change your feelings, your thoughts, and your energy and aligning them with the source of your creativity can produce the results you need. Contact me if you want to get out of your rut.
Q: Dear Debbie: I have a high-stress job and travel quite a bit. By the
end of the week I'm usually exhausted. My company is re-organizing and the environment
is a bit tense, to say the least. I really enjoy my work but I don't want to
burn-out. What do you advise?
A: How do you take care of yourself to re-charge your batteries each week? Do you have a regular exercise routine? Do you meditate? Do you take time out to participate in activities that you enjoy that are non-work related?
Imagine what it would look and feel like if you felt more in control and refreshed? Hire a coach to help you balance your schedule so that you work smarter instead of harder. Learn some simple yet effective tools to reduce stress and promote over-all well-being so that you find yourself enjoying the work you love again.
Q: I have been experiencing chronic neck strain as I work with a computer
every day. I have tried acupuncture and see a chiropractor which has given me
some relief. I am taking care of my elderly parents and this is stressful as
my siblings live in another state. I am tired of feeling like this. Please help!
A: First of all, good for you for seeking alternative treatment. I'm glad to hear it's helping. Keep going as it sometimes takes a few treatments to see the results you want. In addition to these remedies, working with an imagery guide utilizing your own imagery can help you not only reduce the level of discomfort, but perhaps identify the source of your pain. You may have some feelings associated with the stress of caring for your family members that you aren't aware of. The mind and body work together. Once you let go of some painful feelings you may notice your neck pain decrease too.
Q: Dear Debbie: I'm in a career transition and am having difficulty making
important decisions that will affect my future. I am afraid that I might make
a mistake now that will be hard to correct later if I make the wrong choice.
What if I choose a new career path and find out that I'm not suited for it? How will I know if a position is right for me?
A: Take time each day to relax in a quiet place, and listen to the wise part of you that knows you best and has your best interests at heart. In the stillness, you'll find some answers to your job dilemma. Have you worked with a coach or career counselor to see if your personality and skills match the area of change you are exploring.
Learn to sharpen your intuition and trust yourself and you will be guided toward a choice that's a good fit. Sometimes you will know with certainty if a position is or isn't a good choice for you. Be open to what is before you and listen with all your senses before you leap.
Learning to quiet the mind will allow your feelings to guide you. Then, you
must listen to them. Use your heart and your head, and learn how to dialogue
with your wisest self to find the answers you seek. Remember, choices aren't
irreparable. You will learn something valuable about yourself no matter what
decision you make that will ultimately put you on the right track.
Have questions that need some answers? Contact Debbie@lifechoicescoaching.com.
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"I've let go of all my energy drainers and let the universe take over. I have
met a lot of new people and made good friends. I've met someone who shares all
of the core values I believe in! 2003 has really been the year for me!!!" Thanks
for your help and the boost of confidence to know that "what I want is ok."
I can't tell you what a terrific ride it has been so far."
T. T.
Corporate Financial Manager
"I didn't realize how my believing I can't have it all affected my life. Now,
with your coaching, and my new beliefs in myself and my choices, I know I can
have it all. I have become the person I want to be, and life is exciting. I
feel like I've accomplished my years goals and am so ready to meet 'The One"
Only this time, I just know that he will be the right one for me." Your caring
and encouragement and belief in me has made a big difference in my life."
R.F.
Entrepreneur
"I used to think that great relationships were for other people, not for me.
Since taking Relationship Fulfillment classes, I've come to see that because
I believed this, I kept meeting the wrong people over and over. I've taken the
time to become clear about myself and my requirements. I have started dating
people I have more in common with, and have learned how to disengage more quickly
now since I've learned so much more about conscious dating." I'm in there for
the long haul and having a blast" I know the value of hiring a coach to reach
my goals faster and better than I could ever do on my own."
J.N.
Marketing Director
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To assess your readiness for a committed relationship rate yourself in each of the following ten areas. Try to be objective and honest with yourself. I recommend asking close friends and family members for their opinions as well.
Rating Scale: Rate each item on a scale from 0-10.
| 8-10 | GOOD this areas of my life is strong and would be an asset to my next relationship |
| 5-7 | OK, this areas needs work, but most likely would not sabotage my next relationship |
| 0-4 | NEEDS WORK: this area could interfere with the success of my next relationship |
1. I KNOW WHAT I WANT
I have a clear vision for my life and relationship. I can envision my
perfect life in rich detail and that feels strong, very real and keeps me motivated.
2. I KNOW MY REQUIREMENTS
I have written a list of at least 10 non-negotiable requirements for screening
potential partners. I am clear that if any are missing a relationship
will not work for me.
3. I AM HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL BEING SINGLE
I enjoy my life, my work, my family, my friends, and my own company. I
am living the life I want and am not seeking a relationship out of desperation
and need.
4. I AM READY AND AVAILABLE FOR COMMITMENT
I have no emotional or legal baggage form a previous relationship. My
schedule, commitments, and lifestyle allow my availability to build a new relationship.
5. I AM SATISFIED WITH MY WORK/CAREER
Work is fulfilling, supports my lifestyle, and does not interfere with my availability
to build a relationship.
6. I AM HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
My physical, mental or emotional health does not interfere with having the life
and relationship that I want. I am reasonable happy and feel good.
7. MY FINANCIAL AND LEGAL BUSINESS IS HANDLED
I have no financial or legal issues that would interfere with having the life
and relationship that I want.
8. MY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS ARE FUNCTIONAL
My relationships with my children, ex, siblings, parents, and extended family
do not interfere with having the life and relationship that I want
9. I HAVE EFFECTIVE DATING SKILLS
I initiate contact with people I want to meet, and disengage from those who
are not a match for me. I keep my physical and emotional boundaries balance
my heart with my head with potential partners. I understand relationships, can
maintain closeness and intimacy, communicate authentically, and assertively,
negotiate difference positively, allow myself to trust and be vulnerable, and
can give and receive love without emotional barriers.
| 80-100 | GREEN LIGHT | You are well on your way to the life and relationship you really want. |
| 50-79 | YELLOW LIGHT | Continue to work on the areas needed and take it slowly in relationships while doing so. |
| 0-49 | RED LIGHT | Take a break from seeking a partner, focus on your life and prepare for the relationship that you want. |
READY FOR THE LIFE AND RELATIONSHIP YOU
REALLY WANT?
ASK ABOUT RELATIONSHIP SUCCESS TRAINING
PROGRAM
©2001 LifepartnerQuest/All rights reserved
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