OT: Group Group - Session Plan

1:1 Date/Time:

SESSION PLAN
LESSON CYLCE: GO SHOWPRE-PLANNING: KNOW, SO,

PURPOSE/GOALS. METHODS.
(Preparatory, Purposeful, Occupation-based)

To increase understanding of guided imagery Occupation-based

techniques as a coping strategy
ASSESSMENT/OUTCOME.
Patients identify when they can use guided imagery strategies for coping mechanisms
RATIONALE/RESEARCH/FRAME OF REFERENCE.
Recovery Model

WARM-UP/ICEBREAKER. (_5-15_ min.) MATERIALS.

Name three things you are grateful for from the weekend 1) List of 40 things
1) Have them come up with three things independently to be grateful for
2) Provide a list of 40 things and have them choose 3 2) Photos of things
3) Provide photos of things to be grateful for and have them you could be
choose 3 grateful for
GROUP ACTIVITY. (_20_ min.)
Procedure/Action 
Teach about guided imagery and what the effects of it are 1) Info about guided
Go through a guided imagery script with all the patients imagery
2) Guided imagery script
Give out pictures of places to each of the people in the group 3) Handouts with
(beach, times square, puppies, waterfall, meadow) with lines for pictures
each sense and have them write down what they could sense in 4) Handouts with guided
that place imagery info and
Share with the group their findings for each picture blank spaces for
patients favorite
Teach about how to use guided imagery and have patients identify places
their own calming place with thoughts about each of their senses
DISCUSSION POINTS. (_25-30_ min.)
How did this activity make you feel?
When do you think you could use these techniques?
What did you like or not like about today’s session, the guided imagery
script, the pictures, developing your own calming place?
What did you learn about guided imagery today? How can this
information help you in the future?
Summarize general responses to the activity.
What was the group’s energy like?
We know that it is important to manage stress in a healthy way. What are
some ways we can do this at work? at home?
Emphasize the important aspects of the group.
Talk about the mood of the group.
Thank group members for attending the group today.
POSSIBLE ADAPTATIONS
DOWNGRADE: Give each patient the same picture and talk
through the senses together
PLAN B.
 CLOSING. (_5_ min.)
REINFORCEMENT

Summary 
Carry-over 
Outcome/Product 
HOMEWORK (if appropriate).
Try guided imagery technique if feeling stressed

What Is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is a stress management technique, where you use your imagination to picture a person,
place, or time that makes you feel relaxed, peaceful and happy. Imagery is slightly different from other
stress management techniques, in that it relies on the use of all of your senses.
For instance, in your imagination you hear the sound of birds chirping, you see the drops of dew on the
grass, you feel the breeze on your skin, you smell the wildflowers, and you taste the cold drink. In imagery,
using all of your senses is what creates such a powerfully relaxing experience, and this is why it's so useful
in managing stress and coping with difficult situations.

Some people are skeptical about the effectiveness of using imagery. However, research suggests that it can
be incredibly effective in lowering your stress levels.

Research has shown that using imagery can:

 Lower blood pressure
 Decrease stress levels
 Increase quality of life
In people with PTSD, abuse, depression.

Close your eyes. Allow yourself to get comfortable. …. Begin with a few slow deep breaths in through your
nose and out through your mouth, letting your body get relaxed. Let the chair fully support your body as
you continue to breath and relax. Now, use your imagination to picture yourself walking slowly along a
path. It’s a pleasant path, any kind that you wish. It’s a beautiful day, and you feel relaxed and happy. You
can feel the warmth and energy of the sunlight on your skin. …… Soon you come to a gate. You know this
gate leads to a place where you feel welcomed, safe, and comfortable. Push the gate open and allow
yourself to enter your very own private garden. Your garden is filled with your favorite things. Whatever is
pleasing to you can be found in this place. Perhaps there are flowers, trees, animals, birds, water, or even
music. Look around and notice what is in your garden. ….. See all the colors and objects that are in this
place. Notice how beautiful they are. …. Look at the ground, look at the sky, and see where they meet. ….
Your garden is calm and tranquil. Everything peacefully co-exists in the garden. …… As you are looking,
become aware of how things might feel in this private place of yours. explore this place with your sense of
touch. Perhaps some things are soft and warm, and others are smooth and cool. Simply spend some time
exploring, using your sense of touch as you continue to feel at peace and comfortable. …. Notice what the
air feels like; is it cool or warm? … Is there a breeze or is it still? … Take the time to feel the peace and
serenity in this private place. ….. As you continue to explore your garden by seeing and feeling, become
aware of the sounds that you hear in your garden…. The sounds in your garden are pleasing to the ear and
very comforting. Perhaps it is quiet in your garden, or maybe there are a number of sounds. Some of the
sounds may be very soft, while others may be louder. Relax and listen for a while and see if you can identify
the different sounds in your garden. ….. As you’re listening to the sounds in your garden, become aware of
what smells you might smell. Take a deep breath in, and notice the fragrances that are present. The
fragrances are pleasant and soothing. ….. Take your time and enjoy your visit to the garden, using it in
whatever way that you wish. Spend the time that is necessary for you to rejuvenate and to care for
yourself……… When you are ready to leave, slowly walk back towards the gate of your garden. You have
enjoyed your visit to the garden and feel relaxed and content. Push the gate open and return to the path
that led you to the garden. As you make your way back up the path to the here and now, you are now
ready to resume your day. Stretch gently and open your eyes, feeling refreshed and alert.

Five Senses

Use this exercise to quickly ground yourself in the present when you only have a moment. The goal is to
notice something that you are currently experiencing through each of your senses.

What are 5 things you can see? Look around you and notice 5 things you hadn’t noticed before.
Maybe a pattern on a wall, light reflecting from a surface, or a knick-knack in the corner of a room.

What are 4 things you can feel? Maybe you can feel the pressure of your feet on the floor, your shirt
resting on your shoulders, or the temperature on your skin. Pick up an object and notice its texture.

What are 3 things you can hear? Notice all the background sounds you had been filtering out, such as an
air-conditioning, birds chirping, or cars on a distant street.

What are 2 things you can smell? Maybe you can smell flowers, coffee, or freshly cut grass. It doesn’t have
to be a nice smell either: maybe there’s an overflowing trash can or sewer.

What is 1 thing you can taste? Pop a piece of gum in your mouth, sip a drink, eat a snack if you have one,
or simply notice how your mouth tastes. “Taste” the air to see how it feels on your tongue.

The numbers for each sense are only a guideline. Feel free to do more or less of each. Also, try this exercise
while doing an activity like washing dishes, listening to music, or going for a walk.

Another way to use this exercise is to think about a place that makes you calm and go through the
sensations you would experience in that place.
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:

5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel: 2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:

2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:

5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel: 2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:

2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:

5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel: 2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:

2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:

5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel: 2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:

2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:

5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel: 2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:

2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
I can see: I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________

2. ____________________ 2. ____________________

3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
I can smell:
4. ____________________
1. ____________________
5. ____________________
2. ____________________
I can feel:
I can taste:
1. ____________________
1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
 HOW TO USE GUIDED IMAGERY
Step 1: Find a Quiet Place
If possible, find a quiet place to sit down. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply to calm down.

Step 2: Choose Your Setting

Once you feel relaxed, picture yourself in the most peaceful environment that you can imagine. This can be
an imaginary place, or a memory of a place or time that has a special meaning to you. The scene that you
imagine is highly personal and should ideally be one that you feel emotionally drawn to.
It's important to remember that imagery's effectiveness relies on using all your senses. For instance, don't
just imagine yourself in the remote mountain cabin. In your imagination, look around you. Pay attention to
the rustic feel of the room. Feel the fire's warmth against your skin, and inhale the musky, earthy scent of
the wood's smoke. Touch the cozy blanket, taste the sweet hot chocolate, and look out of the window at
the deer finding food in the snow outside.
Your goal is to immerse yourself fully in the scene: this includes what you can see, touch, hear, smell, and
taste. The more details that you can include in your imagery, the more effective this technique will be.

Step 3: Relax
Stay in your relaxed scene for as long as you feel comfortable/your schedule allows. Continue breathing
deeply and try not to let any outside thoughts intrude.
When you're ready to leave, sit quietly, and let your mind turn back to the situation at hand. You'll now feel
much more relaxed, in control, and ready to tackle your challenges.

MY PEACEFUL PLACE
_______________
(location)
I can see:
I can hear:
1. ____________________ 1. ____________________
2. ____________________ 2. ____________________
3. ____________________ 3. ____________________
4. ____________________ I can smell:
5. ____________________ 1. ____________________
I can feel:
2. ____________________
1. ____________________ I can taste:
2. ____________________ 1. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________