ROSSMAN, Martin L. 1945-

PERSONAL: Born March 28, 1945, in Pueblo, CO. Education: University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, premed, 1965; University of Michigan Medical School, M.D., 1969.

ADDRESSES: Offıce—Academy for Guided Imagery, P.O. Box 2070, Mill Valley, CA 94942.

CAREER: Physician. Collaborative Medicine Center, Mill Valley, CA, director and founder; Academy for Guided Imagery, Mill Valley, codirector. Department of Medicine, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, clinical associate; Stanford Corporate Health Project, consultant; California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda, adjunct teaching faculty; Graduate School of Professional Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, Orinda, CA, lecturer in psychology; Institute for the Advancement of Health, member of advisory board.

MEMBER: American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, American Medical Acupuncture Association, American Society of Psychosocial Oncology/AIDS, American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, Society for Behavioral Medicine, Northern California Society of Clinical Hypnosis, San Francisco Academy of Clinical Hypnosis.

AWARDS, HONORS: American Health Award, 1987, for Healing Yourself.

WRITINGS:

Healing Yourself: A Step-by-Step Program for BetterHealth through Imagery, Walker and Co. (New York, NY), 1987.

Guided Imagery for Self-Healing: An EssentialResource for Anyone Seeking Wellness, H.J. Kramer Inc. (Tiburon, CA), 2000.

Fighting Cancer from Within: How to Use the Power of Your Mind for Healing, Henry Holt (New York, NY), 2003.

Rossman has also contributed to numerous books on imagery and healing.

SIDELIGHTS: Martin L. Rossman is a physician known for his work with guided imagery in healing. In Healing Yourself: A Step-by-Step Program for Better Health through Imagery Rossman describes his work with patients using deep relaxation, guided imagery, and inner guidance. Rossman, who believes patients can help heal themselves by using these techniques, describes progressive sequences for using these methods, and provides scripts for readers who want to try them. He notes that everyone has the ability to connect to an inner advisor that will provide self-knowledge and aid in healing. However, he also states that these techniques should not take the place of responsible, scientific medical care; the two systems should be used in tandem, as they complement each other, and a patient should have a definitive diagnosis from a physician so that all treatment options can be considered. Rossman also provides a history of the use of guided imagery in treatment. In Kirkus Reviews, a reviewer wrote that Rossman provides "sound, responsible instruction" in these healing methods.

Guided Imagery for Self-Healing: An Essential Resource for Anyone Seeking Wellness is a revised, updated, and enlarged edition of Healing Yourself. In the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Irene Alleger wrote, "In the current climate of lethal pharmaceuticals and high cost health care, it is encouraging to see books like Martin Rossman's." And, she commented, "If you've ever had any reservations about using the mind's ability to stimulate the body, in both positive and negative ways, this book will rid you of that misconception."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

periodicals

Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 1987, review of HealingYourself: A Step-by-Step Program for Better Health through Imagery, p. 1233.

Library Journal, September 1, 1987, Judith Eannarino, review of Healing Yourself, p. 192; April 1, 2003, Jodith Janes, review of Fighting Cancer from Within: How to Use the Power of Your Mind for Healing, p. 123.

Natural Health, March, 2001, Carol Parikh, review of Guided Imagery, p. 170.

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, February, 2001, Irene Alleger, review of Guided Imagery,
p. 105.*