Visual Imagery Technique in Caring for Children “Imagination is more Powerful than Knowledge”-by Albert Einstein

Abstract

Visual imagery technique (VIT) some time referred as Guided therapeutic imagery, a technique in which mental health professionals help individuals in therapy focus on mental images in order to evoke feelings of relaxation, is based on the concept of mind-body connection. Mind-body connection upholds the interaction between body and mind as one important factor in a person's overall health and well-being. In guided therapeutic imagery, a person can call on mental images to improve both emotional and physical health. Nurses must learn about how to apply visual imagery technique in clinical practice for the management of physical and psychological (e.g. pain and anxiety) symptoms. Goal of VIT To manage pain, promote healing, promote relaxation and to reduce anxiety, improve mood, feel less nervous or upset, help to reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), help to prepare for an athletic event or academic achievement or for public speaking and provide a sense of empowerment or control. Types of VIT is Relaxation imagery, Healing imagery, Pain control imagery and Mental rehearsal. Steps of VIT is Phase-1: Image generation, Phase-2: Image maintenance, Phase-3: Image inspection and Phase-4: Image transformation. Two components of VIT is first components: a state of deep relaxation through breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, and Second component: Imagery or visualization component. It can be started once the person achieves the state of relaxation. Typically a therapist using this approach will provide verbal prompts to direct the focus of the imagery, often encouraging the participant to notice various sensory aspects of the scene. Some practitioners may use music as part of the technique. There are two distinct routes by which mental imagery can be generated/created within consciousness. Involuntary/Immediate perceptual information and Voluntary/Previously stored information. Child can react to VIT physiologically and psychologically. Conditions like Social phobia, Schizophrenia, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Relationship issues, Diminished self-care and Family and parenting issues can benefit from VIT. Present review was undertaken to know the origin of visual imagery technique, existing practices/situation/knowledge/attitude, existing problems/shortcoming, strategies to improve the situation/minimize or solve problems technique and nursing implications for visual imagery.