Google+ is a social networking site that lets users define and manage various groups of people and how they interact with them. With Google+, users can define various circles, which might include peo

1 Imagery and Progressi ve Cloud Computing John Smith University of the Cumberlands ITS 532 : Cloud Computing Dr. Robin Salyers October 1 , 2019 2 Guide d Imagery and Progressi ve Muscle Relaxation in Group Psychotherapy Introduction A majority of Americans experience stress in their daily lives ( American Psychological Association , 2017 ). Thus , an important goal of psychological research is to evaluate techniques tha t promote stress reduction and relaxation. Two techniques that have been associated with reduced stress and increased relaxation in psychotherapy contexts are guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation ( McGuigan & Lehrer , 2007 ). Guided imagery aids individuals in connecting their internal and external experiences, allowing them, for example, to feel calmer externally because they practice thinking about calming imagery. Progressive muscle relaxation involves diaphragmatic breathing and the tensing and releasing of 16 major muscle groups ; together these behaviors lead individuals to a more relaxed state ( Jacobson , 1938 ; Trakhtenberg , 2008 ). Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are both cognitive behavioral techniques in which individuals focus on the relationship among thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (White , 2000 ). Group psychotherapy effectively promotes positive treatment outcomes in patients in a cost -effective way . Its efficacy is in part attributable to variables unique to the group experience of therapy as compared with individual psychotherapy (Bottomley , 1996 ; Yalom & Leszcz , 2005 ). That is, t he group format helps participants feel accepted and better understand their common struggles ; at the same time, interaction s wi th group members provide social support and model s of positive behavior ( Yalom & Leszcz , 2005 ). Thus, it is useful to examine how stress reduction and relaxation can be enhanced in a group context. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the re search base on guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation in group psychotherapy contexts. I provide overviews of both 3 guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation , including theoretical foundations and historical context . Then I examine guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation as used on their own as well as in combination as part of group psychotherapy. Throughout the review , I highlight themes in the research. Finally, I end by pointing out limitations in the existing literatur e and explor ing potential directions for future research . Guided Imagery Features of Guided Imagery Guided imagery involves a person visualizing a mental image and engaging each sense (e.g., sight, smell, touch) in the process. Guided imagery was first exa mined in a psychological context in the 1960s, when the behavior theorist Joseph Wolpe helped pioneer the use of relaxation techniques such as aversive imagery, exposure, and imaginal flooding in behavior therapy ( Achterberg , 1985 ; Utay & Miller , 2006 ). Patients learn to relax their bodies in the presence of stimuli that previously distressed them, to the point where further exposure to the stimuli no longer provokes a negative response ( Achterberg , 1985 ). Contemporary research supports the efficacy of guided imagery interventions for treating medical, psychiatric, and psychological disorders (Utay & Miller , 2006 ). The evidence is sufficient to call guided imagery an effective, evidence -based treatment for a variety of stress - related psychological conce rns (Utay & Miller, 2006) . Guided Imagery in Group Psychotherapy Guided imagery exercises improve treatment outcomes and prognosis in group psychotherapy contexts (Skovholt & Thoen , 1987 ). Lange (1982 ) underscored two such benefits by showing the role of the group psychotherapy leader in facilitat ing reflection on the guided imagery experience, including difficulties and stuck points . 4 References Achterberg , J. (1985 ). Imagery in healing . Shambhala Publications . American Psychological Association . (2017 ). Stress in America: The state of our nation . https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state -nation.pdf Baider , L. , Uziely , B. , & Kaplan De -Nour , A. (1994 ). Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in cancer patients . General Hospital Psychiatry , 16 (5) , 340 –347 . https://doi.org/10.1016/0163 -8343(94)90021 -3 Ball , T. M. , Shapiro , D. E. , Monheim , C. J. , & Weydert , J. A. (2003 ). A pilot study of the use of guided imagery for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Clinical Pediatrics , 42 (6) , 527 –532 . https://doi.org/1 0.1177/000992280304200607 Bernstein , D. A. , & Borkovec , T. D. (1973 ). Progressive relaxation training: A manual for the helping professions . Research Press . Bottomley , A. (1996 ). Group cognitive behavioural therapy interventions with cancer patients: A review of the literature . European Journal of Cancer Cure , 5(3) , 143 –146 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365 -2354.1996.tb00225.x Freebird Meditations . (2012 , June 17 ). Progressive muscle relaxation guided meditation [Video ]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZI -4ud E_o Holden -Lund , C. (1988 ). Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing . Research in Nursing & Health , 11 (4) , 235 –244 . http://doi.org/dztcdf Jacobson , E. (1938 ). Progressive relaxation (2nd ed. ). University of Chicago Press . Lange , S. (1982 , August 23 –27 ). A realistic look at guided fantasy [Paper presentation]. American Psychological Association 90th Annual Convention , Washington, DC .