Belleruth Naparstek

Belleruth Naparstek is a clinical social worker, author, teacher, and nationally recognized pioneer in the field of guided imagery. She is best known as the creator of the Health Journeys guided imagery audio series, a body of work used by individuals and major health institutions to support stress management, trauma healing, and a wide range of physical and psychological challenges.

Naparstek is the author of the award-winning book “Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal,” an influential work that explains why guided imagery is considered a best practice for post-traumatic stress and integrative healing. Her earlier books include “Staying Well with Guided Imagery” and “Your Sixth Sense,” the latter translated into multiple languages and praised for its thoughtful exploration of intuition.

For decades Naparstek has helped bring guided imagery into mainstream health care. Her recordings have been distributed by major institutions — including national insurers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and thousands of hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers — sometimes at no cost to clients. Her work has been part of more than two dozen clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of guided imagery for conditions ranging from surgery recovery to stress and post-traumatic symptoms.

In addition to her published work and audio programs, Naparstek has served on the faculty of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, where she has helped train physicians and other health professionals in mind-body techniques rooted in guided imagery.