Nightmare Exposure And Rescripting is a structured intervention that helps clients take control of distressing nightmares. This resource offers clear guidance on exposure techniques and imagery rescripting strategies to alter the emotional and cognitive impact of nightmares.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
This exercise provides a step-by-step guide for conducting nightmare exposure and rescripting, an evidence-based approach that combines exposure with imaginative rescripting. By confronting distressing dream content and creatively reworking the narrative, clients can transform negative experiences into more manageable or empowering ones.
Nightmare rescripting has been shown to reduce nightmare frequency, lessen associated distress, and improve sleep quality. This resource can be used as a stand-alone intervention or integrated into trauma-focused therapies.
Nightmares can significantly disrupt emotional wellbeing, sleep quality, and daily functioning. This resource supports clients in:
Persistent trauma-related nightmares impacting daily life.
Nightmares that reinforce worry and hyperarousal.
Sleeping disturbances linked to distressing nightmares.
Recurring stress-induced nightmares.
Help clients identify the nightmare and describe the worst moment in detail.
Explore the current emotions associated with the nightmare.
Clarify the preferred emotional response clients would like to experience.
Collaboratively create a new, imaginative narrative aligned with the desired emotion.
Encourage clients to frequently engage with the new rescripted narrative.
Practice recalling the new narrative to strengthen its accessibility during sleep.
Nightmare Exposure And Rescripting is grounded in cognitive-behavioural theories of emotional processing and memory reconsolidation. It integrates principles of imaginal exposure with cognitive restructuring techniques.
Exposure to the nightmare content reduces avoidance and fear through habituation, while imagery rescripting allows the client to actively alter the storyline of the dream. By changing the nightmare’s narrative, clients can modify the emotional and cognitive meaning attached to the experience, reducing distress and enhancing a sense of mastery.
Research supports the efficacy of imagery rescripting for nightmares (Davis & Wright, 2006; Krakow et al., 1995). Studies have shown that actively changing the dream content leads to significant reductions in nightmare frequency, distress intensity, and associated sleep disturbances (Long et al., 2011). The technique is especially useful for clients with PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related difficulties where intrusive imagery plays a central role.
Therapists are encouraged to guide clients gently through exposure and rescripting, allowing flexibility and creativity while ensuring emotional safety. Relaxation strategies or grounding techniques may be useful adjuncts when introducing this work.
