HD707 The Versatile Image: Imagery for Symptom Reduction, Personality Integration, and Spiritual Development (2 cr.)

This course examines the theory and practice of imagery as a technique for psychological and spiritual growth and incorporates opportunities for practice and personal experience. An overview of the therapeutic use of imagery is presented, highlighting the philosophical framework, history, and general features. Comparing imagery approaches used in Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral, Existential/Humanistic/Transpersonal, and Psychodynamic orientations is a main focus of study, with applications to specific therapeutic issues and spiritual practices demonstrated.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Construct a therapeutic and philosophical framework that incorporates the imagery approach.
2. Assemble the significant developments in the history of the therapeutic use of imagery.
3. Synthesize the important general features of therapeutic imagery and contraindications for its use.
4. Analyze the differences in theory and intent of imagery interventions used in the main psychotherapeutic orientations.
5. Apply several specific imagery procedures and applications in therapeutic situations and for students’ personal growth.
6. Identify the importance of therapist “presence” (interpersonal neurobiology) and how imagery can facilitate this.