"What is the difference between imagery, visualization and meditation?"

They are all effectively the same when they are guided.  They usually all begin with deep breathing and perhaps a form of progressive relaxation.  The imagery usually has a focus to facilitate relaxation, access the imagination and create mental images to bring about a desired change in one's physical or emotional state.  The "guided" part simply means that the images are described or suggested by a therapist or leader.

 

"Is it difficult to do meditation?  I had a tape before and I'm not sure it worked."

Meditation/Imagery is not difficult to do, especially when someone else is doing the guiding and you are free to just imagine.  Images and visions are the stuff of day-dreams, creativity and prayer.  People use imagery techniques every day, but they rarely take advantage of them intentionally for healing.  Some generic tapes don't touch a person's uniqueness and may not be as effective as customized imagery.  Custom imagery usually inlcludes some of the clients own imagery, and that allows for a deeper level of relevance and connection.

"What can guided meditation be used for?"

There is a wide range of uses for guided imagery that can be loosely broken down into areas of Positive Change, Healing and Growth.  Here are just a few examples:

• Enhance body's natural ability to heal:

                         Asthma, Allergies, Cancer, Chronic Pain, Coronary Disease,

                   IBS, Infertility, Insomnia, Medical Procedures and more.

• Eliminate smoking,weight problems, phobias
• Enhance self-confidence, athletic performance, study habits, test performance,and creativity.
• Reduce and manage stress and anxiety
• Develop internal resources - Tools for Life