Suicide-Loss Survivor Visualization Script - Palette of Grief?

This guided imagery script is for mental health professionals and suicide-loss survivor support group facilitators to read to those impacted by loss. This script is a valuable healing tool for those who are experiencing prolonged grief disorder.

Picture yourself in a relaxing place. Sit comfortably as you bring awareness to your body. Be patient with yourself as you sit in the stillness. Move around a bit to get loosened up. Notice any unpleasant sensations. Sit up straight. Then let all your muscles go loose and feel your body relax. Slowly breathe through your nose as your nostrils fill with air. Exhale through your mouth. Breathe through your nose again. Exhale through your mouth. Notice the rhythm of your breath.

Guide your attention to your back. Slowly move around to alleviate any tension. Bring your awareness to your shoulder blades. Gradually extend your spine to the sky. Roll your shoulder blades again. Then drop your shoulders back down. Feel the tension release. Bring your awareness to your upper arms. Be still as you move down to your lower arms.

Guide your awareness to your wrists, palms and fingertips. Slowly sense the energy in your fingertips. Bring awareness to your hands. Stretch out your fingers. Slowly make a fist three times. Then let your hands gently fall on your thighs. Now, put your arms in front of you like you are pressing a ball into water. Do this a few times. Move at your own pace. Guide your attention to your neck. Tense your neck muscles. Slowly release the tension. Bring your attention to your head. Gently roll your head in a small circle, then reverse. Tense your facial muscles. Let go of the tension. Sigh deeply. Then slowly breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

Now that you have imagined yourself in a relaxing place and loosened up, think about a peaceful place that you have already been to or one you would like to visit. Picture yourself there. Notice a long path in front of you. Become aware of your surroundings. It feels safe. Listen to the soothing sounds. What are you curious about as you envision this healing place?

Visualize yourself moving ahead. Your feet feel light beneath you. Pay attention to your legs. Imagine your legs lighter than air, lifting you into each step. Take your time.

As you look ahead, notice a person sitting on a large solid rock. You have not seen this person in quite a while. It feels good to see them again. Stay here for a few moments. Sit with them on the rock. Talk about your loss experience. Observe how your body feels as you sit down. They want to listen to you and be there for you. Notice your thoughts. (Pause)?

It is time to move onward. After you say goodbye to this person, place your feet firmly on the ground and take a healing breath. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. You feel grounded. Do this at your own pace. Continue your walk. Be aware of the landscape. The walk feels good.

You notice someone sitting on a wooden bench. As you walk toward them, your feet feel lighter than air. Be mindful of what you are sensing as you walk toward them. Your eyes meet and you sit down. They need to tell you something. Listen to what you need to hear and what they need to say. (pause)

Before you move on, reflect on what was said. Let them know your thoughts about what they shared. Say goodbye when you are ready. (pause)

It is time to move onward. Imagine yourself walking along the path. It feels safe. Notice your surroundings. See the colors around you. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? Allow this place to nourish you. (pause)

You notice a small chest in front of you. You open the chest and find a note inside addressed to you. Think about why someone would write you a note. What does it say? (pause)

After you are finished reading the letter, place it back inside the chest or do with it as you wish. The time has come to take a path that leads you home. Allow peace and light to pass through your body. Scan your body for a place that still feels tense. Pay attention to the sensation and let go of the tension. (pause) ?

You are three steps away from a healthier mind and body. Take a healing breath. Witness the breath as it enters your body. Witness it again as you exhale. You are two steps away from feeling calm and rested. Take a healing breath. Exhale anything that doesn’t comfort you. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. ?You are one step away from feeling in control and safe. Take a healing breath. As you bring your attention back to the outer world, slowly stretch out your arms in front of you to the point of mild tension. Slowly bring your shoulders forward, up, and back. Do these shoulder curls two times. ?

Place your hands on your heart. Be aware of how you are feeling. You have completed the exercise.