Hi Belleruth,

I need help with antidepressant withdrawal. I've slowly withdrawn from Zoloft.  This is my first week without any medication in my system. I'm functioning fine, but feel 'out of kilter'...just discombobulated (is that a word?)

Truth told, I am already happier, feel more whole, and seem to have a pumped up libido, but these other sensations are confusing and unsettling. I'm trying to find the best of your imagery CD's from my arsenal, but am not sure what's best. I'm wondering about the Alchol/Drug Recovery CD, and whether it might help me cope with the unpleasant side effects of withdrawal I might be feeling.

Question:  

I have used Belleruth's guided meditation CDs for both headaches and sleep problems with great success. I have been having issues with postpartum depression for several months now and am having trouble finding support in many areas.

Does Belleruth have a guided meditation specifically for postpartum depression, or has she considered making one? I will probably download the depression MP3, but I think many women would be very grateful for one specifically tailored to PPD issues: guilt, shame, incompetence... There's really not much out there for us.

Thank you!
Kerry

Question:

I am mentoring a young woman who has epilepsy. Her seizures increase (of course) when she is stressed. Are there any of your CD's that more directly address seizures?  Or any that would be best for dealing with stress?

Thanks for all you do.
Nellie

Question: 

Hi Belleruth,

I have been using your guided imagery audio for pain for several weeks now.  I love it!  Thanks so much!  I have one issue, though.  Although I am greatly soothed by your voice, I find myself distracted when you are talking about what my “special place” might be, as I have identified it and go there easily.  Do you have any suggestions? Should I just put on the music (which I also purchased and absolutely love) and attempt to do my own imagery without your wonderful voice? That would seem so less “guided.”
Thanks!

P.S. I have used Steven Mark Kohn’s music accompanying my acupuncture and it is perfect.

Question: 
Hi Belleruth,
Thanks for the info about how guided imagery is helping veterans at the V.A.  I had a chance to share the research today with a V.A. counselor who is finding that spouses need to navigate how to not get lost in the partner's PTSD, and be open hearted at the same time.  Can you recommend something for the second-hand PTSD population? Would you consider creating relaxation/imagery audios to meet the healing and boundary needs of the spouses and children of the returning vets??
Anna

Question:
Which of all these strategies can be applied to phobias, such as a fear of heights?
Suzanne

Dear Suzanne,
The two simplest methods would be to either become very skilled at becoming relaxed at will or to use one of the alphabet therapies, such as Emotional Freedom Technique, to extinguish the fear.

Question:

I did a guided imagery this morning with my LCSW [Licensed Clinical Social Worker] from one of your books. It took me to a special place and I saw a "remarkable being" that gave off a soft but bright glow. Which of your CD's has a guided imagery like that? She said in the book it was called "Spiritual Guide Imagery" but I can't find a CD that says that. Is the Healthful Sleep anything like that?

John McP.

Question:

While I think your items are helpful, I really think it is unfair that you barely give the profession of hypnosis any acknowledgment when that is what "guided imagery" is.  You should tell it like it is and give credit to the profession.
Janny

 Dear Janny,
I confess to being baffled by your comment.  Although this website started out years ago as a guided imagery site that featured only my work at first, it then expanded over the years into a mind-body site that featured many experiential methods and practitioners, including hypnosis, breathwork, meditation, acupressure, music therapy, biofeedback, yoga, tai chi, and much more. 

Question:

I attended your workshop in New Orleans. I now have a client who is a perfect candidate for the repetitive nightmare treatment.  Is there someone in the New Orleans area that I can refer my client to for this -- or who can teach me how to go through the process myself with my client?  Thanks.  Roberto

Answer:

Dear Roberto,
The best expert is the wonderful psychologist who developed the method for the veterans at the Brecksville V.A. - Beverly Donovan, PhD.   Sadly for all of us, she's retired from the V.A. – she was very generous with her time and expertise while she was still working there, but, alas, she’s taken to traveling, relaxing and visiting a lot of family.  Darn, I hate it when that happens!
 

Question:

Hello, I struggle with love addiction, in the form of obsessive romantic thoughts.  Do you have any suggestions for guided imagery that would help with that?  I used your grieving imagery after a breakup, and I've used your OCD imagery more recently, but it would be nice to find something that specifically would help with this problem.  Thank you for your great work!

Brendan