(imagery) A technique in which the person focuses on positive images in his or her mind.

Purposeful use of imagination to achieve a particular state, outcome, or action or to direct attention away from undesirable sensations

(imagery therapy) A therapeutic exercise used in treatment of pain, hyperventilation, panic, and other conditions. The practitioner guides the patient into a semi-hypnotic state by verbally introducing positive and soothing images. It is as a form of distraction and attention therapy.

(imagery, psychotherapy) The use of mental images produced by the imagination as a form of psychotherapy. It can be classified by the modality of its content: visual, verbal, auditory, olfactory, tactile, gustatory, or kinesthetic. Common themes derive from nature imagery (e.g., forests and mountains), water imagery (e.g., brooks and oceans), travel imagery, etc. Imagery is used in the treatment of mental disorders and in helping patients cope with other diseases. Imagery often forms a part of HYPNOSIS, of AUTOGENIC TRAINING, of RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, and of BEHAVIOR THERAPY. (From Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, vol. 4, pp29-30, 1994)

Guided imagery, a type of mind-body medicine, involves using mental images, self-directed or guided, to help patients relax (eg, before a procedure) and to promote wellness and healing (to try to effect physical changes--eg, by mobilizing the immune system). The images can involve any of the senses.