Guided Imagery: Providing Comfort Caring and Support During Life's Final Journey

While hospice is gifted at relieving physical pain, it sometimes is difficult for hospice professionals to get to the root of what may be causing spiritual and emotional pain. At the onset of illness, patients and families feel out of control, and overwhelmed. Guided imagery can bring about the state of mind and body most conducive to healing, physically and emotionally, while in a relaxed state.  By helping patients quiet the mind through relaxation, many times psychological pain can be addressed using symbols and images that the patient describes. Imagery work is one of the most effective ways of aligning with and leaning into a patient's pain and suffering.  This presentation will allow hospice professionals to be aware of how imagery work can be utilized by all team members for caring comfort.