This is an excerpt from a book I recently completed called Get We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression. Following the mental health journey of depression survivor Ruth, it offers numerous practical, evidence-based strategies for improving your physical, behavioral, vocational, relational, cognitive and emotional health. For updates and availability info, subscribe for free to the right. I post two or three articles per month, mostly on the topic of depression.

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Treatment option 41: Doing a visualization exercise

Closely related to meditation and mindfulness is the practice of purposeful visualization. Though in recent years the technique has often been used for goal achievement and performance enhancement, it is also helpful for emotional regulation.

Choosing a calming mental image and focusing on it in a quiet environment for a time can relax the body and calm the mind. It can also reduce physical pain. The imagery you choose should feel natural and healing, such as an ocean, a sunset, a candle, a forest or a starry night sky. Abstract images are also popular, especially when accompanied by a helpful narrative. Some people enjoy imagining healing waters or energies flowing through their body or a loving source enveloping them.

If desired, add “using visualization” to your list of emotional coping skills. You might also want to write down specific ideas to try.

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No gurus. No easy answers. Just real stories from people on the path. Get The Power of Acceptance: One Year of Mindfulness and Meditation at your preferred book retailer today.

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