Arts Program - Guided Imagery
Contact Information
Coordinator: Linh Dang
Phone: (650) 498-3333
Fax: (650) 736-4130
Location: Guest Services
300 Pasteur Drive
Room H1132
Palo Alto, CA 94305
What is Guided Imagery?
Guided Imagery is a technique that helps individuals use their thoughts and imagination to relax and create healing scenarios in their minds to support their health and recovery process.
In a hospital setting, it is used with cancer patients to help prepare them for radiology treatments or other procedures by educating them on what to expect and thereby alleviating the anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Our mission is to provide patients with tools to facilitate and empower their journey toward healing, as well as a connection to the strength, balance and creativity we each inherently have.
Who can participate?
Stanford Hospital inpatients. No experience is required to participate.
How are the sessions held?
Individual sessions with patients are provided at their bedside. The facilitator and the patient identify the patient's needs and then the facilitator guides the patient into a safe and relaxed place. The facilitators are certified in Integrative Imagery and have extensive experience both at Stanford Hospital and in the community.
What is a session like?
The one-hour session begins with the facilitator helping the patient identify their needs. Then they move into a relaxation exercise. As the patient becomes relaxed, they move into Imagery. Imagery is not complicated, and benefits are usually experienced from the first session.
What are the benefits?
Benefits of Guided Imagery are: relieving nausea, decreasing anxiety and the fear of the unknown, feeling more at ease during procedures like radiation or MRIs, and simply feeling more relaxed.
Is there a cost for the sessions?
Through the generous support of Stanford Hospital and private donors, sessions are provided free of charge for all participants.
How can I schedule a session?
Please call Guest Services at (650) 498-3333.