
How Guided Imagery Helps Resolve Trauma and Grief
⚠️ Content Warning - This episode contains discussions of suicide, religious sexual abuse, physical abuse, trauma, and other potentially distressing experiences. Some of the topics and stories shared may be emotionally difficult or triggering for listeners who have experienced trauma, abuse, suicidal thoughts, or related experiences. Please listen with care and honor your own emotional boundaries. Consider pausing the episode, taking a break, or reaching out to a trusted support person if needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate support from a qualified mental health professional or crisis service. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Take what serves you, leave what doesn't, and most importantly, take care of yourself while listening. This episode is for anyone navigating the lasting effects of trauma, abuse, grief, or loss—especially if you feel stuck in survival mode, or emotional patterns that haven’t shifted despite trying to cope. It’s also for those curious about guided imagery, hypnotherapy, meditation, and trauma-informed healing, or supporting someone through unresolved trauma or complicated grief. Leann Herron speaks with Dr. Christopher Cortman, a Florida licensed psychologist with more than 40 years of experience and over 80,000 hours of psychotherapy, about how guided imagery can help people process trauma, grief, and unfinished emotional pain. This episode explores why time alone does not heal trauma, and why unresolved experiences can keep shaping the nervous system, emotions, relationships, and behavior for years. In this conversation, Leann also shares her own recovery story, showing how fast and transformative guided imagery can be when it is done in a safe, supported setting. Episode Resources: About your host: Leann Herron is a Certified Life and Holistic Health Coach who is a passionate advocate for women’s health and empowerment, devoted to helping midlife women break free from cycles of over-giving and the stories that keep them stuck. Leann guides women to release stress, reclaim their energy, and create lives that truly fulfill them—body, mind, and spirit. Connect with Leann: Finding Resilience with Leann Website: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannherron/ FREE 45-Minute Discovery Session Consultation: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/coaching-services/ola/services/discovery-session-consultation About Dr. Christopher Cortman: Dr. Christopher Cortman has facilitated over 80,000 hours of psychotherapy during his distinguished career spanning forty years. A Florida Licensed Psychologist, he maintains a thriving private practice while specializing in emotional trauma and anxiety disorders. He’s appeared nationwide on talk radio and television. The acclaimed author of five previous books, his new book, The Guided Imagery Cure: The Best Proven Methods for Quickly Resolving and Healing Trauma, describes a profoundly impactful tool for addressing trauma, grief, and more. Connect with Dr. Cortman: Website: https://srqshrink.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:19 The Purpose Behind The Guided Imagery Cure 05:15 Real-Life Applications of Guided Imagery 10:10 The Need for Closure in Healing 11:36 The Five Step Formula to Healing Trauma 13:46 Transforming Trauma into Positive Action 17:30 The Power of Acceptance in Healing 19:41 How to Shut Off the Stress Response 20:57 Personal Experiences with Trauma and Healing 26:01 The Power of Hypnotherapy and Healing 31:23 Understanding Trauma and Its Treatment 34:21 The Journey to Healing: Personal Stories 37:40 Finding Your Voice and Empowerment 40:01 Coping Mechanisms vs. True Healing 47:17 The Impact of Virtual Therapy #trauma #guidedimagery #mentalhealth #ptsd #anxietyrelief #resilience #grief #personalgrowth #mindfulness #therapy


















