About Guided Imagery
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive and drug-free therapeutic technique.Empowers patients with self-management skills for stress and anxiety.Enhances relaxation and reduces physiological stress responses (e.g., lowering heart rate and blood pressure).Can be easily integrated with other psychiatric treatments like CBT or medication management.Promotes a strong mind-body connection to address both psychological and physical symptoms.Generally has no side effects and is considered very safe./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and phobias.
- Depression and mood regulation difficulties.
- Chronic stress, burnout, or adjustment disorders.
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
- Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraine) where psychological factors play a role.
- Preparation for or recovery from medical procedures or surgeries (pre- and post-operative anxiety).
- Coping with chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease.
- Performance anxiety (e.g., in sports, public speaking).
How to prepare
- Initial psychiatric consultation to assess suitability and set therapeutic goals.
- Discussion of the process to ensure patient comfort and understanding.
- Identifying a quiet, comfortable, and private space for the session.
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
- Possibly practicing basic breathing exercises beforehand to aid relaxation.
- Informing the psychiatrist of any traumatic memories or triggers to avoid during imagery.
Risks & possible complications
- Potential for bringing up unexpected or distressing emotions or memories.
- Rare instances of increased anxiety or dissociation during the session, especially in individuals with severe PTSD or psychosis.
- Not a standalone treatment for severe psychiatric conditions like major depression or schizophrenia; requires integration with a comprehensive plan.
- Effectiveness is highly dependent on patient engagement and the therapeutic relationship.
Recovery & hospital stay
- No physical recovery is needed as it is a non-invasive psychological intervention.
- Patients are often encouraged to practice the learned techniques independently at home.
- Follow-up sessions with the psychiatrist are scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the approach.
- Integration of insights or relaxation skills into daily routines is a key part of post-session care.
- Any emotional responses triggered are typically processed within the therapeutic setting in subsequent sessions.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (immediate return to normal activities)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering guided imagery in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with psychiatry departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform guided imagery. MediFyr helps you compare psychiatry specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for guided imagery compare across other countries where we have data.
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As a 72-year-old retired classical dancer with treatment-resistant depression, I'd lost all joy in life until Dr. Kurinjinathan introduced me to novel neuromodulation therapy. His integration of movement therapy with medication completely transformed my recovery, I'm now teaching dance to seniors with mental health challenges.