Imagery rescripting is a therapeutic technique in which patients imagine as vividly as possible that an aversive situation is changed in a desirable way. This fantasy technique aims to change the meaning of the event and restore perceived control. Rather than using verbal reasoning, it relies on experiencing to bring about meaning change. It is often used to address trauma memories but is not restricted to posttraumatic stress disorder. It is also used to treat nightmares, which are often fantasies themselves, and intrusive flash-forwards, images of possible catastrophic future events. Imagery rescripting is sometimes used as a stand-alone treatment and sometimes integrated into a treatment package.

Historical Context

The use of imagery to help people deal with disturbing issues is probably as old as humankind. Descriptions ...

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