Imagery is a technique that can not only deliver suggestion but can give great comfort. "Now that help is on the way, you can relax with me and take one or two nice easy breaths. I'll bet you'd rather be out on a hike right now. I know you love it outdoors. It would be fine if you wanted to take a little vacation right now..."
The way this works is simple: Every thought that we have generates a physiological, chemical reaction in our bodies. Fearful thoughts create adrenaline and other chemicals that can cause harm. Imagining a peaceful place literally changes the chemistry within and facilitates healing.
Our physical and emotional wellbeing at work--our sense of being safe, understood, and cared for--is essential to our overall health. We spend most of our lives at work. When you know Verbal First Aid, you can help make the workplace a place where, when you and your co-workers need it, healing can also begin.
Judith K. Acosta, LCSW, CHT is a published author and well-respected psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, classical homeopath, and crisis counselor with a private practice in New Mexico.She is the co-author of The Worst is Over (2002) and Verbal First Aid (2010 Penguin Books). She has authored numerous articles on verbal first aid techniques, stress management, trauma, animal-assisted therapy, and viral fear. She specializes in the treatment of trauma and anxiety--particularly with military, paramilitary and emergency personnel. She can be reached at www.wordsaremedicine.com/verbal-first-aid and www.verbalfirstaidthebook.com.
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