see it don't be it: imagery processes to manage addiction, anxiety & anger

“SEE ITDON’T BE IT”

Gilda’s Club of Texas, July 2006

National Wellness Conference 2010 © William G. DeFoore, Ph.D.Institute for Personal & Professional Development, www.Goodfinding.com

Imagery Processes To ManageAddiction, Anxiety and Anger

“If you could see far enough into space…you might be able to find the back of your own head.” --Unknown

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Triune Brain Theory

Paul D. McLeanNational Institute of Mental Health

Neocortex

MammalianReptilian

Pre-frontal lobes

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Motivators(love vs. fear)

Processors-2 hemispheres(reason & creativity)

Visioning/Imagining

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

RIGHTLEFT

R

P

M

Headlight/Projector

Drivers Self interestConnection

Processors

Creative &imaginativeprocesses

Rationalprocesses

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

Overview of the SIDBI process:

• Addiction, impulsive anger & anxiety are subconscious • The right hemisphere processes imagery• Imagery accesses emotion & physiology• Accessing an accurate image of the emotion/addiction

temporarily deactivates physiological processes—SIDBI• Subconscious processes thus become conscious,

increasing behavioral choice and emotional control

1

2

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Steps

1. Find an image, or “mental picture” of the addict or emotion

2. Create a dialogue3. Facilitate integration4. Create a positive image based on the

integration© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Image

• It needs to accurately represent the addict or emotion• “Phantom images” and how to deal with them• Common archetypal themes• Methods for facilitating access of an image• Key elements to look for• How to know when the image is accurate

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Concept of the Destructive Protector

• The “personality” of the problem• Formed unconsciously for protection and coping• Why the protector becomes destructive• When “reminded” of its original purpose of protection, it

becomes less toxic• Feels “all-powerful” or exhausted—or both• Contains huge shame and anger

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Dialogue

• Acknowledge its revelation and purpose• Acknowledge its singular focus—its “specialty”• Putting it in its place—”I created you, you didn’t create me”• Is it “all powerful” or exhausted?• Speaking from the image

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

The Integration Process

The image becomes more “friendly”It might “agree to cooperate”

Giving it a resting placeEmbracing the image“Eating the shadow”

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

Methods & Techniques

• Drawing or painting the image• Acting it out in a therapeutic manner• Dancing the image for integration• Looking for images in environment• Finding or making symbols to illustrate change• Identifying thought-action-feeling of addict/emotion

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

Establishing New Patterns

• Deriving and listing old, self-limiting beliefs• Creating one or more new beliefs for each old oneSimple replacementCounterbalancing and grounding“Stretching “ and visioning for future growth• New behaviors to reinforce new beliefs

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com

Results

• Increased conscious control of subconscious patterns• More choice during compulsive/addictive patterns• Increased connection with positive intention• Improved relationships & intimacy• Better health and well being

© William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Goodfinding.com