Anyone who’s ever worked in an office or served on a large, longstanding committee probably knows this scenario – when you find yourself getting overly aggravated, disrupted or distracted by an angry, dysfunctional fellow worker.  

Check out this excellent advice from psychotherapist Phillip Chard, who suggests guided imagery.  When having a reasonable conversation isn’t an option, going inward with guided imagery is the way to go:

Dear Belleruth,

I have a question about your affirmations.  I have been listening to the Anger & Forgiveness affirmations. This CD (and others) includes the affirmation that "I can avoid re-injuring by myself with repeated visits to past wounds."

Yet, doesn't it sometimes make sense, to examine the past in order to overcome it? What is the difference between "repeated visits to past wounds" and confronting past pain in a therapeutic context?  Please clarify this issue for me as I find it somewhat confusing.

Thank you.
Mike

Question:  
I have a question. Obviously I made up a name because it is possible that a particular person could figure out who I am by reading my question [Ed. Note: We always change the name unless specifically asked not to].

My question: what suggestions do you have for a person in crisis who is diagnosed with PTSD and depression/anxiety, and now possibly RAD (reactive attachment disorder) and has to end therapy w/ my first and only therapist after almost two and a half years of meeting twice a week, due to financial issues.

Question:

Hello, I want you to know that in the late 1990s, my husband and I saw a marital counselor in Atlanta and bought one of your recordings for depression. It helped tremendously! Thank you so much!

Now the same husband and I are going through a divorce. After 26 years of marriage. I have several chronic illnesses, some brought on by stress from living in an emotionally abusive situation for so many years. I would like for you to recommend a place for me to start. I am not sleeping well and have a broken heart and spirit.  I am doing my best to heal, but I am taking it one day at a time and know this is a long process. Please advise me on which CD/DVD would be best.

With Much Gratitude,
Della

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

My inspiring story doesn’t have to do with mind-body CDs, although I’m a satisfied user of guided imagery, yoga and meditation.  This is about the people I work with. 

I’m a 42 year old husband and father, recently diagnosed with stomach cancer. I have worked for the same small business for the past 12 years.  Currently I am facing several rounds of chemotherapy, with little sick leave left, because earlier this year, my wife had to undergo back surgery. I was needed to help at home.  It never crossed my mind that I might need those sick days for myself.  I never got sick.

My fiancée has had a terrible time sleeping lately, between our demolished savings, employment worries and pre-nuptial stress.  I’m stressed too, but it doesn’t wreak havoc on me the way it does on her. It was starting to affect our relationship.  Decision making for the wedding was becoming a real ordeal.  An old friend gave her some sleep CDs from your catalog, to listen to at bedtime.  They have made a huge difference.

Dear Belleruth:

After being married for 33 years to the same man since I was 21 years old, I have asked for a divorce. He has been unable to change his emotionally & verbally abusive behaviors, in spite of counseling. In October, I discovered he was having a sexual affair (2nd time) with a woman younger than him (he is 58, she 45). He said he wanted a divorce, that he has been unhappy a long time. I said fine, I will make this happen.

I am fed up with him, but I feel so sad, heartbroken really, in spite of the problems.  What do you suggest for all the emotional upheavals? Please change my name to Kathie. Do not give my last name or email.

-Kathie