The Inward Eye Process is a way of using the imagination as a way of knowing. In this process the intellect- the thinking function of knowing- is used primarily as an organizer, providing structure for the experience of knowing through images, feelings, and senses. The performance of this process is a skill of dynamic balance of the conscious and the unconcious leading to the experience of healing and wholeness. As a form of therapy, or as an adjunct to therapy, the Inward Eye Process is often experienced as very gentle and direct, yet is often speeding along the therapeutic process. Since the emphasis is placed on the imagery as the primary source of knowing and healing, the process happens only at the pace, and in the form to which the participant is best suited. For the experienced practitioner of the imagery process, their role is merely to provide a safe space for the journey, some help transitioning between states, and some help, if necessary or desired, contextualizing the experience. This process also uses art making, and other creative processes as aspects of the imagery process, although it is not necessary to be skilled in art making to use this process.
The Inward Eye, Center for Learning in Art therapy and Imagery, is a place where one may come to learn to use this process for one’s self as a therapy, for personal growth or, for art therapists, creative arts therapists, and other therapists, it is a place where one may come for training in how to use this process for the benefit of others.
The imagery work used in the Inward Eye Process is based on several sources. First is the work of C. G. Jung with particular reference to his process called Active Imagination. Next is the teaching of the Academy for Guided Imagery which itself bases it’s program on many sources. This program is a very good resource for professional care givers to learn to integrate imagery into their practice. Some aspects of this process are borrowed from Tibetan Bon Buddhist practices. Also, this work is based in part on the teaching of Stephen Gallegos, Ph.D. and his Personal Totem Pole Process which focuses on power animal images from the chakras as a way of growing and healing.
Knowing Imagination 