People with Aphantasia are often told — directly or indirectly — that therapy requires imagination, visualisation, or “seeing things in the mind’s eye.” That simply isn’t true.
Therapy works through the subconscious mind, nervous system, emotions, meaning, and behaviour — not through pictures.
When approaches are adapted correctly, aphantasia is not a barrier to therapeutic change.
I work specifically in ways that do not rely on visual imagery, and instead use methods that align with how people with aphantasia naturally process experience.
Aphantasia Therapy — Quick Answers
Do I need to visualise for therapy to work?
No. Therapy works through emotions, the nervous system, language, and behaviour — not mental images.
Can hypnotherapy or EMDR work if I can’t visualise?
Yes. Both are adapted to work through sensation, emotion, and subconscious processing rather than imagery.
Is Aphantasia something that needs fixing?
No. It’s a different cognitive style, not a disorder.
I offer therapy for Aphantasia at my Reading hypnotherapy practice, in Didcot, and Online for clients across the UK and globally..
Sharon Richardson — 2018 – 2024
When I first went to see Matthew I was such a mess. I was very depressed and having really bad panic attacks and anxiety, and I honestly didn’t think I could even sit in the chair. I told him I couldn’t visualise, but that didn’t matter at all. He made me feel so relaxed, which I never thought was possible at the time. He took so much time and effort with me and I felt completely safe. Now my panic attacks have almost gone, my anxiety is only slight, and I can go out, see friends, and live my life again. I wouldn’t be where I am without Matthew and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me.
MAIL@THEEXCELPRACTICE.COM OR CALL 07807 540142
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How I Work With Aphantasia
Rather than asking you to imagine scenes or pictures, sessions focus on:
- Bodily sensations and felt sense
- Emotional shifts
- Internal dialogue and language
- Sound, rhythm, and awareness
- Meaning, beliefs, and identity
- Nervous system regulation
Many people with aphantasia come to me for help with overthinking, anxiety, and related issues such as stress, sleep problems, and confidence.
This allows deep work to happen without forcing imagery that isn’t there.
Approaches I Use (Adapted for Aphantasia)
🔹 EMIT / EMDR (Adapted)
EMDR does not require visual memory.
We work with:
- Emotional intensity
- Physical sensation
- Language and cognition
- Nervous system response
Trauma and emotional learning are processed through the body and brain, not images.
🔹 Mindfulness (Non-Visual)
Mindfulness is adapted to focus on:
- Breath
- Body awareness
- Sound
- Internal sensation (interoception)
No imagery is required.
🔹 Somatic (Body-Based) Techniques
Somatic therapy works directly with how experience is stored physically — tension, posture, breath, and emotional response.
This approach is particularly effective for people with aphantasia.
🔹 NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming is adapted to work through:
- Language patterns
- Internal dialogue
- State change
- Meaning and belief systems
Visualisation is optional — not required.
🔹 EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
Emotional Freedom Techniques combines:
- Physical tapping
- Emotional awareness
- Cognitive focus
It works extremely well without imagery.
🔹 Adapted Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy does not depend on pictures.
I guide clients using:
- Language
- Sensation
- Emotional response
- Subconscious patterning
The subconscious responds to meaning and feeling, not images.
🔹 Manifesting (Psychological & Grounded)
Manifesting is approached practically and psychologically, not as fantasy imagery.
We work with:
- Identity
- Expectation
- Emotional alignment
- Behavioural consistency
Change happens through state, belief, and action — not mental pictures.
What Aphantasia Is — and What It Isn’t
Aphantasia refers to the absence of voluntary mental imagery. People with aphantasia do not “see” images in their mind, but they can still:
- Think clearly
- Feel deeply
- Remember facts and experiences
- Be creative
- Problem-solve effectively
It affects an estimated 2–3% of the population and is not a mental illness, disorder, or deficit.
There is no formal diagnosis — awareness usually comes through self-discovery.
Key Point
You do not need to visualise to heal, change, or grow.
You need approaches that work with how your mind already functions.
When therapy is adapted properly, people with aphantasia often experience clearer, calmer, and more sustainable change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphantasia & Therapy
What is aphantasia?
Aphantasia is the inability to voluntarily create mental images. People with aphantasia do not “see pictures” in their mind, but they can still think, feel, remember, reason, and function normally.
Can therapy still work if I can’t visualise?
Yes — absolutely.
Therapy works through emotion, nervous system regulation, meaning, behaviour, and subconscious processing, not mental pictures. When therapy is adapted properly, visualisation is unnecessary.
Does hypnotherapy require imagination or imagery?
No.
Adapted hypnotherapy works through language, sensation, emotional shifts, and subconscious responses.
You are not asked to imagine scenes or pictures.
Can EMDR work for someone with it?
Yes.
EMDR does not require visual memory.
We focus on bodily sensations, emotional intensity, thoughts, and nervous system responses instead of images.
What if other therapists have asked me to visualise and it didn’t work?
That’s common.
Many standard scripts assume visual imagery. My work does not rely on that assumption, and sessions are structured from the start to match how your mind works.
Is aphantasia a disorder or something that needs fixing?
No.
Aphantasia is a different cognitive style, not a defect or illness.
The goal of therapy is change and relief, not forcing imagery that isn’t there.
What issues can you help with if I have aphantasia?
I regularly help clients with:
- Anxiety and stress
- Overthinking
- Confidence and self-belief
- Habits and unwanted behaviours
- Addictions and compulsions
- Phobias
- Insomnia
- Performance and mindset issues
All without visualisation-based techniques.
Do I need to tell you I have aphantasia before booking?
You’re welcome to mention it, but you don’t need to worry — the work is already adapted.
Can manifesting work without visualisation?
Yes.
Manifesting is approached psychologically and practically, focusing on:
- identity
- belief
- emotional alignment
- behaviour and expectation
It’s about state and action, not mental imagery.
MAIL@THEEXCELPRACTICE.COM OR CALL 07807 540142
Book Your Session
Ask a Question
Aphantasia description by Very Well Mind – HERE
BBC Aphantasia, a life without mental issues – HERE