be thought of as the bridge between the conscious processing of information and physiologic change, since images can influence both the voluntary (peripheral) and involuntary (autonomic) nervous systems(1,5,6). For patients, the goal of using imagery is to replace the negative images that provoke fear, hopelessness, and anxiety with positive images of healing and well-being that contribute to recovery. Ms. B, for example, shared her fears with a nurse who helped her learn relaxation and imagery skills. Mr. H, on the other hand, while mentioning his fears, downplayed their significance and received no such aid.