Guided imagery can be a great way to get an anxious child to relax.
Our recreational therapists at Connections Therapy Center use a variety of therapy interventions and techniques when they work with children with disabilities. Some of which include behavior modification, sensory stimulation, stress management relaxation, and guided imagery. It is fair to assume to that most people are unfamiliar with the term “guided imagery”. Here is a brief explanation of what guided imagery entails, and why it has been proven to be beneficial for children with disabilities.
What Is It?
Guided imagery can be explained as a meditative process that requires a person to visualize and use they their imagination in order to assist in the development of their mind-body connection. This healing process has been proven to be highly effective for children because they tend to be imaginative by nature. Therapists will sometimes use guided imagery when they are trying to get an anxious child to relax because it helps many feel safe and secure. Guided imagery serves as an excellent way to help a child cope with any stressors in their life. For example, many children are especially anxious when it comes to new experiences. The first day of school can be terrifying for some kids. Guided imagery is also recognized as a form of treatment for learning disabilities and depression. It continues to receive praise from the scientific and medical community.
The Benefits Of Guided Imagery
Guided imagery can benefit a child in several different ways. It is important to mention that this technique can be customized to fit a child’s individual needs.
Some of the benefits of guided imagery include:
- Helps those who have trouble sleeping at night
- Improves self-esteem
- Lowers high anxiety/stress levels
- Helps equip an individual with coping abilities
- Can put an end to cases of the jitters
- Sparks creativity
- Can improve an individual’s immune system
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.