Step1
The first step is determining which outcomes the client or self-coach wishes to achieve, including the positive affirmations that would benefit the client. The goal is also to reverse negative statements that have been previously instilled and that have caused the client to become “stuck” or hesitant to be productive. Affirmations must reinforce concepts that the client wishes to strengthen such as productiveness. For example, clients often wish to: become fonts of creativity, attain limitless flow of ideas, manifest art, and/or feel inner peace. Values to be developed possibly include: serenity, productivity, insightfulness, wisdom, peacefulness, and abundance. There is no end to the possibilities that emerge once clients and their coaches have gone through the brainstorming process.
Step2
The second step is to determine the setting that appeals to the client who possibly chooses a sunrise on the beach, an ancient temple, a Celtic well, a flowing stream, a boat on the lake, a chapel, a misty forest and so on. Again, this part of the selection process is dependent upon brainstorming and discovering what the client truly enjoys. Often, linguistically gifted coaches enjoy creating visualizations that seem to jump off the pages of books and which are not necessarily naturalistic.
Step3
Thirdly, the writer of the creative visualization has the option of choosing the imagery of the fictive, supporting character who will serve as the affirmative voice speaking to and supporting the client. Rather than choosing the image of a person, the voice may be that of the coach. The imaginary, supporting person should come from the client’s personal belief system or metaphors and could be a Totem animal that symbolizes something special for the client. For instance, a horse represents power and freedom to travel for many, whereas an eagle represents strength, courage and freedom. Other popular, supporting personages preferred by clients in the past have been Greek, Roman, and Celtic deities, warriors, or a voice from the clouds above. The purpose of such choices is to give vision and form to reassuring affirmations that will invoke positive change and the ability to spontaneously create painting, writing, drawing and other creative outcomes.
Step4
Next begins the writing process and/or the oral-linguistic planning process. The creative visualization begins with reassurance that the client is relaxing in a peaceful place, breathing in and out in a serene manner. Coaches may write/say, “As you breathe in, you are feeling more relaxed. . .” Some prefer to count from five to one, leading the client down steps or a path, while guiding the client into deeper awareness and later coming out of that awareness counting from one to five. There is no danger because this is merely a state of being relaxed and affirming positive qualities upon which the client or self-coach wishes to focus. Be sure to include the goal, the setting and the supporting voice that soothes and reassures the client. This is very similar to storytelling except that coaches (self-coaches, too!)write in the second person singular.
Step5
Lastly, there is the implementation of the creative visualization plan. The client must relax in a comfortable, and preferably quiet, environment with the option of a musical background. The creative visualization may be spoken aloud or recorded and may be similar to the following model:
Take a breath in and then out, breathing very deeply, in and out. Gently close your eyes as I count backwards from five to one..............As you breathe deeply and relax, give yourself permission to walk down a long pathway until you reach a fresh spring. Fresh water flows and refreshes your bare feet, bringing forth a stream of fresh ideas. The water you see is very clear, just as your creative thoughts become clearer and clearer.
You recognize that just as this water is a font of life-giving water, you too are a font of creativity. You exit the stream and move forward into a dark wooded area with a sunrise shining through the forest. The sun slowly arises and bathes your body in bright, new and creative ideas, an abundance of creativity...... You are moving toward the light when you encounter an angel who reaches out her arms and sends blessings in your direction. Bursts of light spring forth from her in seven colors, each representing an aspect of creativity such as wisdom, empowerment, joy, productiveness, flow, abundance and inner light.
She says, "You are becoming more creative and productive every day. You are the well that brings forth the water of life, a font of white light from which colors spring forth, refracted through prisms into new realms of great ideas. You have permission to be yourself and to express love through creation, the manifestation of the Universe within your heart."
Feel the cool, green grass between your toes, (etc.)......You are about to leave the forest and emerge into the garden of delightful colors and fragrant flowers. It is normal for you to be creative, expressing yourself, manifesting love through art and finding pleasure in this act. Creating becomes easier and easier as minutes, hours and days go by. You have permission to create and to be the best artist/writer you can be.(etc.)..........As I count to five, you will slowly open yours eyes and allow the light to stimulate your artistic receptors. 1...2....3....4....5...... (Laura Sweeney)
Personalize and write your visualization in a manner that meets your or your client's needs. Creative art coaching services are also available at: www.creativeartcoaching.com
Enthusiast 
