Our mind reconstructs the world every day through our senses and past experiences – what is happening to our brains during Imagery Training? How is it adding new elements to our existing view of the world?
While FIT follows a structured scientific approach, there are times when a more bespoke method is needed. This is because not only do we all imagine in different ways, but most importantly the meaning of the image also differs.
On the one hand, imagining an ‘aeroplane’ is, for most, an easy task; two wings, engines, nose and tail, and could conjure emotional excitement and connections with holidays, but for some the same image could evoke anxiety and stress. Therefore, by activating an image, such as an ‘aeroplane’, each individual will access multiple areas of their brain depending on the experience and connection of the stimulus.
To train people to overcome mental barriers, FIT adds sensory layers by focusing on ways to perceive challenges and then plan ahead, giving attention and meaning to goal achievement.
Can Imagery Training still be beneficial to people who say they struggle to visualise images?
Many people struggle to create clear visual images. Think of visual images like a television. If you have an old television (or if your television is facing a window) your image may be dark and lack clarity as you struggle to see what’s there. Then you upgrade to a new crisp 8K television (and turn it away from the window), then the image is crisp, clear and sharp. This is vividness. Also, if you can change channel, perhaps from BBC 1 to CBeebies, then you have what’s known as good controllability.
Your imagery ability is therefore dependent on both your vividness and controllability. So, this is where we start, by helping individuals become imagery experts by training their multisensory ability.
There are naturally rare occasions when people cannot create visual images (like a sunrise) or may not be able to recall smells (like freshly ground coffee). In these circumstances there are methods to work with the senses individuals do have and try to turn the dials up on vividness, but it may not always be effective.
There is a growing amount of research into aphantasia; the inability to use imagery, but with all my participants in sport, business and the military, everyone is able to (in some way) plan goals and have gone on to master their personal imagery ability.