What is mental imagery?

Mental imagery is the way we can experience something in our mind even when it isn’t happening through our senses in the present moment. It can include memories, beliefs, imagined future events, and mental representations of ourselves, other people, or situations.

Mental imagery can be deliberate, such as imagining a future presentation going well. It can also arise automatically, such as replaying a difficult conversation, anticipating something going wrong, or remembering a distressing experience.

These mental representations are a normal part of human experience. They can help us plan, create, solve problems, prepare for what is ahead, and make sense of our experiences. But when distressing imagery becomes activated repeatedly, it can also contribute to ongoing stress reactions and keep difficult experiences emotionally charged.

How mental imagery influences our experience

Mental imagery can influence how we think, feel, behave, and experience our bodies.

For example, simply imagining an upcoming difficult conversation may create tension or anxiety before the conversation has even happened. Remembering a painful experience may bring back some of the feelings associated with it. Imagining a future outcome may create anticipation, fear, excitement, or hope.

The situation itself may not be happening in the present, yet our experience of the mental imagery can still affect how we respond.

This is one reason mental imagery is important when we are exploring recurring patterns of stress and reaction.

Mental imagery can also be used intentionally. Guided imagery and visualization have been explored as ways of supporting relaxation, wellbeing, and coping with a range of experiences.

Mental imagery and emotional distress

Research suggests that mental imagery can play an important role in emotional distress. A widely cited review by Brewin, Gregory, Lipton, and Burgess (2010) found that involuntary images and visual memories are prominent across a range of psychological difficulties, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and psychosis.

Their review suggests that memory-related imagery can allow high-impact experiences, whether real or imagined, to continue influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

This research helps explain why mental imagery can be an important area to explore when a reaction continues long after an event has passed.

How does Logosynthesis® work with mental imagery?

Logosynthesis is a structured model for identifying and shifting mental imagery that can contribute to stress reactions and keep us caught in familiar patterns.

The imagery may be a memory, a belief, an imagined future event, or a mental representation of ourselves, another person, or a situation. When this imagery becomes activated, we can experience a strong reaction even though the event itself may not be happening in the present.

The Logosynthesis Basic Procedure uses carefully formulated words to work with what has been activated. As the imagery shifts, people may notice changes in their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, perspective, or behaviour.

Sometimes a shift is immediate. More complex experiences may unfold gradually. The event itself does not need to change for our experience of it to change.

Rather than trying to change who you are, Logosynthesis helps clear what may be getting in the way of expressing who you already are.

Logosynthesis is used internationally by trained professionals in coaching, counselling, psychotherapy, and other helping professions, as well as by people exploring their own personal development.

What does the research say?

There is extensive research on mental imagery and its relationship to emotion, behaviour, memory, pain, and distress.

Research into mental imagery provides a growing body of evidence about how mental representations can influence emotional, physical, and behavioural responses. Research into Logosynthesis itself is newer and is beginning to develop.

The Logosynthesis research to date includes peer-reviewed research, doctoral research, pilot studies, clinical reports, and professional publications. Together, this work contributes to an emerging evidence base for understanding the potential applications of Logosynthesis.

Experience Logosynthesis for yourself

One way to understand the relationship between mental imagery and Logosynthesis is to experience the process for yourself.

The guided video below introduces the Basic Procedure and gives you an opportunity to notice what shifts in your own thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or perspective.

Before you begin:

• Choose a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
• Have a glass of water nearby.
• Allow about 30 minutes so you don’t feel rushed.
• Watch the video from beginning to end and allow the process to unfold naturally.

The goal isn’t to force a particular result. Simply notice what you experience and what, if anything, shifts.

Some people notice subtle changes. Others experience more significant shifts. Both are possible.

If your concern is complex, or you would like additional guidance, you may wish to work with a certified Logosynthesis Practitioner.

Explore Logosynthesis further

If you’re curious about working with mental imagery through Logosynthesis, there are several ways to learn more:

• What is Logosynthesis? — an introduction to the model and how it works.
• Explore Logosynthesis for Professional Use — how trained professionals integrate the model into their work.
• Read my books — explore Logosynthesis and its applications in greater depth.
• Explore the Essence: Unlock Potential App — guided self-coaching and ongoing practice.
• Explore upcoming workshops and courses — learn through guided experience and discussion.
• Explore the Logosynthesis International Association — learn about international professional standards and training.

Curious about the connection between mental imagery and stress?

Mental imagery is part of everyday human experience. Sometimes it supports us. Sometimes it can keep us caught in reactions that no longer serve us.

Learning to recognize what is being activated can be an important first step toward experiencing something different.

If you’re curious about whether Logosynthesis might be useful for you, book a complimentary conversation and we can explore what you’re experiencing and whether Logosynthesis is a good fit.