Guided Imagery for Chronic Conditions (FPS-CPD) - June 2025

Capability Level: Emerging and Evolving

Day 1: 19 June 2.00pm-5.00pm AEST (Melbourne/ Sydney time)

Day 2: 26 June 2.00pm-4.00pm AEST (Melbourne/ Sydney time)

Social work brings a uniquely holistic perspective to work with clients and understands the importance of relaxation and rest for improving overall health and wellbeing.

Guided Imagery (GI) is a relaxation technique that uses the ‘mind’s eye’ to help de-stress and reduce the impact of chronic conditions. GI is an evidence-based intervention that can effectively be used in social work.

This two-part interactive workshop enables participants to develop skills in a simple, effective, low-cost intervention for pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and trauma.

Additional resources provided:

• Pre-reading
• Supplementary handouts (self-directed practice and reflective activities)

Who should attend?

Social workers and allied health professionals who wish to understand and develop proficiency in GI as an effective, evidence-based therapeutic intervention.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Define stress, relaxation and relaxation therapy
• Consider leading research in GI as a therapeutic intervention for chronic conditions
• Identify biological mechanisms by which GI can reduce chronic conditions
• Experience and practice GI on a personal level
• Apply GI to clients in a clinical setting

AASW Credential: Mental Health (FPS); Clinical

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

Event Structure:

Day 1 Learning Session: (3 hrs)

• Translate and explain current research that supports the clinical use of GI
• Outline biological pathways involved in stress and relaxation
• Guided Imagery for relaxation

Day 1 Learning Activities: In this session, participants will engage in small group discussions after being guided through two Guided Imagery sessions. Interactive polls and surveys will be used to gauge participants knowledge around Guided Imagery

Day 2 Learning Session: (2 hrs)

• Recap of day 1
• Consider the why, how and when to apply GI clinically
• Planning a script when conducting a GI session

Day 2 Learning Activities: In this session, participants will discuss their homework of practicing Guided Imagery. Participants will work in pairs in a break out room and take their client through a GI for relaxation. Another GI session will focus on GI for chronic conditions. engage in small group discussions and incorporate examining clinical applications.

Testimonials:

"I thought this was very interesting, and as a newish social worker i am still building my skills and knowledge base. I am looking forward to part 2 to get a more complete training and understanding of GI, and how it can be used to assist people with chronic pain and health conditions."

"This training was the perfect mix of teaching, practicing and discussing. Thank you to Judy for presenting this so comprehensively yet succinctly. Your facilitation of this course was one of its strengths. You made this approach one that I look forward to learning more about and integrating into my practice. Thank you."