Valerie Thomas is a counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice. Formerly, she was a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and Course Leader for Counselling training.

• AcknowledgementsPreface1. IntroductionPART ONE: Towards more inclusive theory2. An historical perspective on the therapeutic use of imagination3. The story of using mental imagery in counselling and psychotherapy4. Explanations for the therapeutic efficacy of mental imagery5. Identifying common features in the use of mental imagery in talking therapies6. Developing a more inclusive model of mental imagery in therapeutic practicePART TWO: Towards more inclusive practice7. An introduction to the model in practice8. The building image9. The path image10. The plant image11. Integrating a more inclusive approach to mental imagery into ongoing therapeutic work 12. Practice issues13. Conclusion

"This book is an exciting contribution to the use of mental imagery in counselling and psychotherapy. Grounded in the real-world, practical experience of the author, and developed from her in-depth Doctoral studies, it offers an original, inclusive model, well rooted in the diverse history of mental imagery in therapeutic work. It is presented in terms as vivid, imaginative and, above all, useful as the way of working it describes. It should be an inspiration for practitioners from across the psychological therapies, regardless of their theoretical orientation, and deserves a place on the bookshelf of everyone who seeks to work with the immense fund of creative opportunities the imagery of human minds can offer us." - Dr Stephen Goss, Principal Lecturer, Metanoia Institute and Co-Editor British Journal of Guidance and Counselling"This book is a highly practical and persuasive guide to developing a more inclusive practice with mental imagery. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all psychotherapists and counselors who recognize the importance of imagination in the therapeutic process." - Anees A. Sheikh, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Marquette University, Editor, Baywood's Imagery and Human Development Series"A welcome and comprehensive approach to imagery as part of the warp and woof of therapeutic and counselling work. Its wide-ranging approach to theory, and very specific guidelines to practice, makes the vital and much neglected usefulness of imagery accessible to any practitioner. Highly recommended." - Dr. Dina Glouberman, Skyros Holistic Holidays founder, Imagework pioneer, author of Life Choices, Life Changes, The Joy of Burnout, and You are what you imagine