The Power of Imagination in Therapy

Imagination isn’t just “pretend.” Your brain actually responds to vivid images and memories as if they are happening right now. For example, if you picture biting into a sour lemon, your mouth might water or your face might scrunch up — even though no lemon is there. That’s the power of your mind at work.

In EMDR therapy, we use this natural ability during the resourcing phase, which is all about helping you build a sense of safety and strength before we work on difficult memories. Imagination can help you:

Create a Safe Place
You can picture a place where you feel completely calm and secure. By adding in details — sights, sounds, smells, textures — your body can actually start to relax as if you were there.

Imagine Helpful Support
You might call to mind a wise, kind, or protective figure (real or imagined) who is always there to support you. Even imagining that sense of comfort can lower stress and increase feelings of security.

Strengthen Inner Resources
When you use imagination together with EMDR’s eye movements or tapping, it helps “install” these positive feelings more deeply, so they are easier to access when you need them.

Think of imagination like a rehearsal space for your nervous system. It allows you to practise feeling safe, calm, and strong, so that when we move into processing tougher memories, your mind and body are better prepared.

In short: Your imagination is a real tool for healing. It doesn’t just make things up — it helps your brain and body learn new ways of coping, so you feel more resourced, supported, and ready for the next steps in therapy.

If you are interested in utilising your imagination more to change your internal state, or thinking of doing EMDR Therapy, check out Laurell Parnell's audiobook "Tapping in". Audible offer a free 30-day trial where you can gain access to this fantastic audiobook.

#EMDR #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #HealingJourney #TraumaTherapy #SelfCare #MindBodyHealing #EmotionalHealing #MentalWellness #PTSDRecovery #Resilience #TherapyWorks #InnerStrength