Last Call for Topic Suggestions for New Imagery!

Hello again.

One of the most difficult symptoms to treat has always been repeating nightmares. Insight therapy never did get a whole lot of traction on them, and my own personal track record as a therapist was pretty lame. But along come two terrific psychologists and traumatic stress experts at the Louis Stokes Cleveland V.A. Medical Center, Drs. Edgardo Padin-Rivera and Beverly Donovan, who’ve managed to cobble together an ingenious, idiot-proof, quick and 90% effective protocol (a combination of Lucid Dreaming, EMDR and guided imagery) that drives those nasty, tenacious suckers clean out of your head.

I decided to tell the world about it on Huffington Post, which is proving to be a very fine vehicle for getting the word out (thank you very much, Huffpo!). So all you frustrated therapists and nightmare sufferers, find your cheat sheet here.

And in case you’re wondering, we’re still combing through all your excellent suggestions for new guided imagery topics. So far, we’ve read and noted about 320 ideas, with a few score more to go, still. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time. The topic most in demand, hands down, is imagery for connecting with a personal spiritual guide. So that’s a keeper, for our next batch.

After that, it gets murky, because there are quite a few hovering at about the same popularity numbers. Here they are in no particular order:

Self-acceptance and self-love
Sexual Healing
Healing a heart broken by abandonment and/or betrayal
Dealing with Chronic Illness or Disability
Skin Problems, such as Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea, etc
Adult ADHD
Courage for Change, Risk, Moving Forward
Fear of Dental Procedures
Creativity & Artistic Inspiration
Osteoporosis
Lyme Disease
Something to Stop Chronic Worry & Promote Inner Peace

We’re still pulling together various emails, phone requests, Facebook & Twitter messages and yes, even letters, to get all this together. So if you still haven’t voted, and want to say something, now’s the time!

Thanks again for all your help with this.

All best,

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written by Janet, March 09, 2010

Belleruth.......I would love to see guided imagery for the issue of procrastination, or being "stuck" from completing difficult or stressful tasks. Robin

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written by Paul, March 09, 2010

An imagery program for Bipolar Disorder would be very much appreciated.

Also, I want to second the suggestion for Creativity & Artistic Inspiration.

Thanks.

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written by Nina Weil, March 09, 2010

Hi Belleruth,
It would be wonderful to have a guided imagery CD to use for comatose patients to help re-activate brain cells-memory-motor skills, etc. and assist bringing them back to consciousness.
I attended the HT conference where you were keynote speaker last year and have been suggesting your CD's to clients since then.
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you are doing. Nina Weil

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written by Mike Holzworth, March 09, 2010

Another suggestion for Guided Imagery; Stress or Anxiety audio that could be listed to while exercising or jogging. It would combine the two most useful tool to combat stress.

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written by Jennifer, March 09, 2010

Belleruth
I have not listened to your existing imagery regarding sexuality and sexual healing - so I am not sure if you specifically address this - but I would appreciate imagery that works with healing the damage caused by homophobia - damage to individuals and families. It is great that things are changing culturally - but there is a great deal of traumatic damage done already to those of us growing up in very hostile environments, sometimes being rejected by our families, thrown out of schools, churches, networks of friends - it can be pretty traumatic - and this is still going on full force in many parts of the country and the world even though things have improved in some places. This is a real case of shaming at a deep level that is hard to get at even in therapy and perhaps positive imagery might be able to heal some of this damage.
Thanks

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written by Cynthia McTyre, March 09, 2010

Of the topics on the list above, the four I'd like most to see are these:
Fear of Dental Procedures
Healing a heart broken by abandonment and/or betrayal
Dealing with Chronic Illness or Disability
Osteoporosis

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written by suzie massey, March 09, 2010

Hi Belleruth,
I'd love to have your version of a help with flying CD. I have used KRS Edstrom's for years and adore it. I love to change it up a little bit. And any suggestions for prep for flying using imagery would be wonderful. I have great skills and tools, and I'm always interested in more.
Thanks and Blessings!
Suzie

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written by Wendy, March 09, 2010

I have wanted something for ADHD for years .... maybe you could combine it with Focus? "Pulling it Together" and Procrastination type issues??

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written by willetta thomson, March 09, 2010

Dear Belleruth: My friends and I agree that we are sorrowed by our culture's inability to accept aging as natural. I think a CD to help folks accept and affirm the aging process would go a long way to combat some of the negative cultural messages for the individual listener. Most stuff out there is more about how to learn to pretend a person is still young! I don't want to have to look young, act young, or move young in order to value myself. It's just not honest. Also, I believe there is inherent value in being old. Just a thought, but I am a big fan of your imagery cd's.

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written by sonja, March 09, 2010

Dear Belleruth, First of all, since I haven't written before, thank you for all your good work. Your tapes have helped me alot, and I have given them away, too: to a friend who was unfairly fired, one who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and to my husband's first wife when she was diagnosed with breast cancer -- and in every case, they let me know how MUCH your work helped them. Thank you!
Second: as to topic requests: Sexuality/Desire/Aging. I'm in menopause, which is hard from a lot of angles, but I think the saddest one is the loss of desire. And then of course all the physical difficulties (ouch-ness and dryness and orgasms seeming smaller and almost from a distance). (And yes, I'm consulting with a good gynecologist, but ...) All of which makes me feel so old, in a sad way. Some help would be SO appreciated, I think by lots of us in this boat.
All the best to you, Sonja

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written by Vicky, March 09, 2010

First off I'd like to say thank you so much for the wonderful work that you do! I've been listening to your CD's for almost two months now, and the difference it has made to my life has been amazing. Thank you!!

As for the new topic suggestions I'd love to see:

- Healing a heart broken by abandonment and/or betrayal

- Courage for Change, Risk, Moving Forward

- Self-acceptance and self-love

Once again, thank you and keep up the fantastic work!!

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written by Liz, March 09, 2010

Hi Belleruth, I'd first like to say a big thank you for your Panic Attack guided imagery cd, which has been so immensely helpful for me. You are wonderful!
As far as new imagery, it's not specifically on this list, but I would love love love a cd on conquering an intense fear of flying or traveling. I tried a different imagery cd on this, but it did not work for me. Your voice is so soothing that I think if you did imagery about it, it would work better for me.
As far as the choices you provided go, here are the ones that I would be like to see:
* Courage for Change, Risk, Moving Forward
* Something to Stop Chronic Worry & Promote Inner Peace

Thank you!

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written by Betty, March 09, 2010

I introduce most of my biofeedback clients to HealthJourneys Guided Imagery. 2 themes I would be excited to find in production are: TMJ (pain and clinching/grinding) and GERD/reflux. Many thanks for your work and the website

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written by Gigi, March 09, 2010

I have been looking for years for audio materials to help children deal with the aftershocks of sexual abuse. Specifically I would like to see materials targetted toward the 6 - 10 year old age group. There just isn't any PTS material that can be used directly with the child. Materials for caregivers abound, but I need materials for the child, particularly when working with psychotherapists and other professionals has not been effective.

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written by Alaina, March 09, 2010

Problem Gambling
Supervisors and/or therapists in general

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written by James Clingan, March 09, 2010

What an elegant treatment protocol. You're right even an idiot like me could lead clients through this. Yet it makes such good sense. Wish I'd thought of it.

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written by Pam, March 09, 2010

I love several cd's I've purchased from you. Would agree with the need for some that address recurring nightmares, performance anxiety, fear of failure, sexual healing and sexual relaxation.
Thanks!
Pam

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written by Donna , March 09, 2010

GERD! that would be awesome.

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written by Donna , March 09, 2010

I would love to see one on GERD/reflux

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written by Linda, March 09, 2010

Your sleep imagery is great but I've been looking for a sleep imagery CD that focuses on safety for those who've had molestation or trauma which prevents them from feeling safe enough to even go to sleep at night.

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written by Mari, March 10, 2010

I love the work you do and am excited to know you're expanding your offerings! Please consider Self-acceptance and Self-love, Healing a Heart broken by abandonment and/or betrayal, and Skin Problems, such as Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea, etc (I have Rosacea and rarely see anything specifically about Rosacea).
Thanks so much for giving the opportunity to vote.
♥ Mari

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written by Carla Steinbuchel, RN, MN,PNP, March 10, 2010

Physiologically, heart surgery is similar to a near death experience because the heart is actually stopped and the person is placed on a bypass machine while surgery on the heart takes place. Just because this is a controlled, purposeful action, the body still releases stress hormones that trigger nightmares and, without careful reorientation and visual experience of day / night cycles via a window and room lighting during the recovery process, can lead to ICU psychosis. When I first began my nursing career, ICU psychosis was a common occurrence. As the phenomenon was studied by critical care nurses, it was discovered that those patients who had rooms with windows experienced fewer episodes of psychosis. Based on this research, it is now a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (JCAHO) requirement that critical care rooms have a window to the outside. The first intensive care unit I practiced in was in a ward setting with no windows and lots of ICU psychosis. Anyway, I know you are aware of the integral part cortisol plays in the stress response. Biochemical triggering flashbacks makes perfect sense to me.

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written by Carla Steinbuchel, RN, MN,PNP, March 10, 2010

Response to comment from Sonja RE sexual response and painful intercourse after menopause. There are medical interventions that can help with the physical symptoms of decreased libido and vaginal dryness and thinning of the mucosa. A good gynecological workup can help with the physical issues while a guided imagery would be very helpful in relieving emotional barriers to sexual responsiveness related to psychological responses that we, as women, may experience relative to our personal perception of the meaning of menopause.

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written by Alison Cooke, March 10, 2010

Hi, I attended your workshop at the TTNO conference several years ago. I work in Pastoral Care and have been suggesting your CDs to all my parishioners since then.

My daughter has severe post-partum depression (seven months and still not better) - I'd like a CD specific to that dreadful illness (depression doesn't address the specific issues of guilt and anxiety that these Moms have). I am sure that, had she had a CD specifically crafted for post-partum, she would have been better off.

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written by Leslie, March 10, 2010

I facilitate a Tobacco Cessation program for military and civilian employees. I am having more and more people come through hooked on smokeless tobacco. I would like to be able to offer them guided imagery from you which addresses this problem.

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written by D, March 10, 2010

First and foremost, I HUGE thank you for your weight loss cd, the intense feeling of embraced love is the best I way I could describe my experience. It was life changing for me! The one thing I have yet to hear in a weight loss cd, is how to process and release the fear of losing the weight, and how to prepare for your new life and the changes that come with losing weight. For many people there is also a misconception that all your problems will go away once you lose the weight, and of course if you have not addressed the issues at hand they will still be there whether you are heavy or thin.
Thank you again.
Peace!

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written by Susan, March 10, 2010

self acceptance and self -love are at the root of so many of the issues you have listed. please consider doing a CD on self acceptance and self love!

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written by Gaye Armstrong, March 10, 2010

HI, would be interested in a CD coping with the fear of death.

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written by Connie, March 10, 2010

I vote for guided imagery on osteopororis, because it's a hard disease to treat and the disease process remains a mystery to me. Only the bare mechanics are explained when you read about it, and I've often wondered how mind and emotion might effect it. One of the intuitive healers has remarked on how bones and joints are effected by our beliefs and feelings about our "tribe" and belonging, i.e early family. Sure fits for me.

Having said that, I like every idea mentioned.

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written by Erin, March 11, 2010

Hi, Belleruth!

I second (third? Fourth?) the thanks: You are a potent force of good for which I am very grateful. I first bought your CDs on the recommendation of my psychopharmacologist, and I've been recommending them ever since.

I, too, would really love to see imagery for procrastination, as well as for imagery referencing the fear of losing weight.

Thanks again.

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written by Belleruth, March 11, 2010

Many thanks to Carla Steinbuchel for her cogent analysis of ICU psychosis and the triggering of nightmares from open heart surgery. Makes sense. And the response to the sexual desire query. Hot damn, we should put you on the payroll!!
Thanks again,
BR

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written by Belleruth, March 11, 2010

To James Clingan: Yes, it's astonishing that this simple protocol could get the job done most of the time, while decades of my well-trained, deep-dish, nuanced, impeccably sensitive, psychodynamic insight work couldn't touch a recurring nightmare (mostly). Go figure!

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written by Belleruth, March 11, 2010

Thanks again to everyone for putting your 2 cents in. I really appreciate it. Very illuminating, to get these... and pretty different from the suggestions of those who call in. Might be an age difference between who posts on a blog and who calls the office with requests...
BR

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written by Jody, March 11, 2010

suggestion re new imagery: specific to transplant surgery process (pre and post i.e. preparation~months leading up to, hurry up and wait time, and management imagery for patients to use re vast quantities of uncertainty in wait period; hovering between mirrored potentials of life and closeness of death, and the struggle some have with the death that must occur for an organ to be harvested and someone else to reclaim life.

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written by Brenda, March 11, 2010

How about something on social anxiety disorder.

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written by Judy Grill, March 12, 2010

Hi,
I bought so many of your audios through the years & really appreciate your voice, your words, the music. It's the best out there.
My wish list:
1. Fear of unemployment & self-sufficiency
2. GI for the common cold & flu

ditto on the procrastination suggestion
ditto on the fear of dental procedures
Courage for Change, Risk, Moving Forward

Cheers,
Judy

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written by Karna, March 12, 2010

chemobrain (difficulty with complex thought, memory, anxiety....),
neuropathy and/or restless legs.
paranoia
Also, how about a general relaxing one with prairie imagery instead of oceans.....

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written by Dawn, March 13, 2010

I would like something to help me through co-dependency.

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written by karin, March 14, 2010

Hi,
I would like to see something on attracting a healthy love relationship/finding my soulmate! Thanks-Karin

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written by Linda B, March 15, 2010

I've been using your cds for years, esp. relieve stress, weight loss and combat depression. I would like to see something about a broken heart related to abandonment by a biological parent, also procrastination induced by fear of ? the future? failure? success? shame to reveal true self? "Thank you" for all your hard work. It is much appreciated. Linda B in California

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written by Donna, March 16, 2010

Okay... I have asked for my wish to the point of probably being annoying, but this time I just want to say thank you so much. It is amazing to me that you do this... that you ask and you ask and you thank and you seriously consider what people need. Such wonderful ideas here. I am so touched by your work and I have experienced so many positive changes because of you and the work that you do. I just want to thank you for listening to all of us... I wish there were more people in the world like you, but of course there is and always will be only ONE Belleruth! What ever you create next will be exactly the right one.

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written by Cornelia, March 22, 2010

I'm writing a paper for an MSW class on skin picking disorder. Hair pulling and nail biting are related disorders. They have impulsive and compulsive features and often serve an affect regulating function. I am wondering whether or not it would be possible to create imagery that addresses all of these features. I think that if anyone can do it, Belleruth can! PTSD is probably an even more complex disorder and your imagery for that is fabulous! If not new imagery, what would you suggest putting together of your existing imagery? OCD, Anxiety, and what is closest in addressing impulsivity?
Thanks.

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written by Susanna, April 01, 2010

I would appreciate a CD to help with the terror I still feel after recovering memories of childhoos sexual abuse after my father's death 17 yrs, ago. It's eally my inner child tha't so terrified so anything specific to sexuality would make it worse. I need to feel safe,mature and able to establish good boundaries. I've wasted so much of my life with similar abusive relationshps. I don't trust myself let alone anyone else.

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written by Merlyn, April 03, 2010

Please develop guided imagery for increasing bone density. I have severe osteopororsis in my spine and particularly in my hips and can't even take drugs for it. I exercise like crazy but I need something else as well....my mind to engage in the fight!

Thanks!

M.

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written by Hope, April 12, 2010

Dear Belleruth,

I agree with the requests for imagery on sexual abuse, self-worth, abandonment, and bone density/osteoporosis. I would also like to see imagery with bilateral music similar to audio EMDR. I saw a request for that last week, but I can't find it today.

Thank you for all that you do!

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written by Nancy Buron, May 04, 2010

For those of us who may not yet be doing work we love, and for coping with work stress, I would love to have guided imagery for "Leaving Work at Work"

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written by Renee, June 27, 2010

I would love to see a guided immagery for letting go for use with mind-body therapeutic bodywork such as myofascia release and massage.

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written by Cheryl, July 03, 2010

Hi Belleruth,
I am participating in an Omega workshop this weekend in Rhinebeck, NY with Elizabeth Lesser. Your guided imagery has been an amazing and powerful force that I was able to bring to the class I participated in. I was wondering if there is any possibility that you would be hosting a class in the future for Omega participants. You have helped me tremendously with your open guided meditations. Thank you.
Cheryl

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written by Kat, July 09, 2010

Hi Bellaruth, First of all I have to say thank you so very much.
Long story, but my perimenpausal symptoms set off a major PTSD
reaction that has lasted four years. I had done many years of healing work from child sexual abuse and suddenly I no longer could handle antidepressants and have to go off herbs I had been on for 20 years.
And I have a dissociatiave disorder I have worked with for many years. And my internal system completely fell apart overnight with huge memories coming up etc. (after doing years of processing stuff
previously). Its been one wild ride.

I have found your PTSD tape so incredibly helpful. I cant
speak highly enough for it. Its really really helped me get a sense
of boundary again and feel safer, all that stuff.

I was hoping you could do imagery on sexual healing, as I am still not in a relationship because that is a big stretch for me
the sex part. The other suggestion I would have would be
imagery for poeple that have DID issues and for various stages of the process, learning co consciousness, stages of integration etc
I have been very lonely in the journey towards integration, with so many body issues and major stuff along the way, imagery to help
facilitate that would be very useful.

I actually am using the PTSD tape to faciliate integration by encouraging different traumatized parts come forward and listen to the tape.
Its been very useful that way and I thnk is facilitating a deeper
level of energetic integration and mind body embodiment and integration.

And again, thank you so very much. Your work is such a blessing to
our planet. Best, Kathy

PS it would be amazing to get your work in the jail system, juvenile
hall foster care, etc. Maybe all that is happening already and I
just missed that, but it seems like so many could benefit from this.

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