Quotes from Roger Day

have of themselves. Hiding behind the crowd may be because of shyness. It may also be because of self-esteem issues. Similarly, being the centre of attention may be because of self-assurance or a way of masking the real self. Bringing these aspects to the client's attention through this visualisation may be a first step towards 'unmasking' and finding the true self.

This fun visualisation can be used to help clients discover internal resources they already have to head for adventure, face fears and overcome obstacles. It is important to prepare clients for the tough world they face outside the therapy room. Life is unfair, and it is important that clients learn to see difficulties as opportunities to conquer and learn from.

Come back into the here and now, opening your eyes. Use the pens and paper to draw your experience of releasing your cares and worries into the sky using your kite. Objectives This simple yet effective visualisation can help clients to anchor a way to release their cares and troubles. By bringing to mind the picture of the kite flying high in the sky, the client has a concrete way to let go of difficulties, that are then figuratively, and hopefully in reality, 'carried away'.

As with drawing, using the nondominant hand to write after a visualisation can help to anchor in the creative part of the brain any changes decided. Research has shown that script changes are more effective when the

This visualisation enables clients to find a safe place in their imagination where they can come at any time when things become difficult.

This visualisation will enable clients to look at their lives objectively. It will help them to become aware of where they are in life and where they are going. It also introduces the possibility of making script changes.

This is a visualisation specifically for survivors of child abuse, rape and domestic violence. It could also be used with other clients who have been hurt physically or emotionally. The visualisation gives some understanding of the suffering clients may have felt as well as their need for protection. It is intended gently to show survivors the way forward into freedom.

This visualisation is a form of relaxation in what is hopefully a familiar place. As the visualisation progresses it gives clients choices about how to build their unique scenario. Included within it are socialising and self-care. Clients are given permission to take care of themselves and to relax with friends. Writing a letter Materials needed Paper, pens.

This visualisation empowers clients to express their feelings on paper. Clients can write and say things, bringing hurts into the light that may have been buried for many years. It is important to remember that it is the client's letter, and each client can interpret this visualisation in his or her own unique way.

This relaxing visualisation enables clients to look at their identity and uniqueness, becoming aware of where they have come from and where they are going. It may take clients a while to interpret and make their own, perhaps thinking it through and working on it between sessions. Once they have discovered their own unique song, it can help them move on in a positive way.

This visualisation could be used when helping a client through depression. It gives clients the opportunity to look at other points of view, not just their existing one. Helping clients to find a positive outlook could be one more step in their moving forward in life's journey.

This visualisation take the client on a journey. The story is about the troubles in life and how we respond to them. Clients have choices during the visualisation so they are able to make their own story. The mountain climb gives clients a chance to reflect on their life so far and to acknowledge and celebrate successes along the way.

The Lonely Ballerina paints a scene of a client who is stuck and unable to move forward. As the story progresses, the ballerina realises that she can take control of her life and ownership of her future. This story gives clients

Now, using the clay make a model of your experience during the visualisation. Objectives The flight in a light aircraft takes clients through a range of emotions. All the way through the visualisation clients make choices for themselves. This gives them control of how their own story develops. Clients can experience different emotions throughout the flight. They are encouraged to acknowledge their own thoughts and feelings.

In this visualisation the client experiences a motorbike journey. Is this true adventure or a scary nightmare? Each client will have his or her own interpretation of the story. During the visualisation clients are making decisions and owning their feelings.

Using clay, recreate the hole in which you can throw your trouble and anxiety. Throw them in and press more clay on the top. Then squash the ball of clay, destroying those negative feelings. Objectives This nautical visualisation is about life and all its difficulties. The client is taken through hazards at sea

This is a visualisation aimed at clients who need to relax. The story involves a walk along a cliff path, with sensory stimulation (sights, sounds, smells) for clients to experience in their imagination. They can leave the stresses of everyday life behind and move forward into a more relaxed existence.

Visualisation accompanying or followed by movement can be an expression of the heart. The client may feel able to show through movement what he or she cannot say in words. Movement can include dance, which can symbolise deep feelings. Dance has many different forms, giving the client varied avenues for expression. This can help clients gain insight into themselves.

of a sunflower, bruised and battered by the storm. The sunflower turns towards the sun and slowly finds healing and strength. This movement activity encourages clients to reach out for health and strength and to see it as a new day.

This visualisation is about rising above one's problems. It shows the struggle of the eagle to start flying and to catch the thermal. It is easy to look at other people and see them 'soaring', not realising the struggle and the healing

The Littlest Dolphin is a therapeutic story about a dolphin struggling but not giving up. The story shows the importance of support and encouragement from others. Listening to this story can give clients strength to carry on.

Come out of the water, open your eyes and back to the here and now. Recreate the experience of swimming with dolphins using dance and movement. Objectives The aim of Swimming with Dolphins is to get clients to experience a range of feelings and thinking in a way that is relatively safe. Each client will have a different reaction to this visualisation and subsequent activity.

garden Materials needed Paper, felt-tip pens, pencils, ballpoint pens. Instructions The therapist leads the visualisation: Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes if you want to. Come with me. We are going into the garden. (PAUSE) It is morning in the middle of winter. (PAUSE) Put warm clothes on. (PAUSE) Coat. (PAUSE) Boots. (

This visualisation is about self-image and self-esteem. Focusing on who the person is can help in the therapeutic process. Sharing it with others can make it even more positive. If you are using this visualisation in a group, consider getting willing members of the group to share with the others who they are.