What Is Imagery Rescripting?

Help clients understand what imagery rescripting involves and how it can be beneficial.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Unwanted images are a feature common to a variety of problems including PTSD and depression. Imagery rescripting is an evidence-based treatment technique for intrusive images. The technique is thought to work by addressing the meaning associated with intrusive images.

Why Use This Resource?

Imagery rescripting is an effective intervention for addressing intrusive images and distressing memories. This resource helps clients understand:

What imagery rescripting is.
What imagery rescripting involves.
Why it can be useful and effective.

Key Benefits

Informative

Explains the process and rationale for imagery rescripting.

Insightful

Illustrates the process of imagery rescriping using a clinical example.

Accessible

Suitable for a wide range of clients.

Who is this for?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Recurrent and intrusive distressing images.

Childhood Trauma

Distressing early memories, such as parental emotional abuse.

Social Anxiety

Upsetting images and memories related to social rejection or isolation.

Integrating it into your practice

Explain

Explain what imagery rescripting is and how it works.

Describe

Outline what imagery rescripting typically involves.

Explore

Discuss whether imagery rescripting might be helpful.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Imagery rescripting is an experiential technique for working directly with traumatic or bothersome images or memories. Several theories explain its effectiveness:

Action Tendencies: Imagery rescripting enables clients to enact previously inhibited actions, facilitating emotional release and cognitive restructuring.
Control: It allows clients to regain a sense of control over past experiences, addressing feelings of helplessness or guilt.
Perspective Shift: This approach helps clients view memories in a new light, altering their emotional tone and personal significance.

This What Is Imagery Rescripting? information handout gives a description of what imagery rescripting is, steps involved in different imagery rescripting techniques, discussion of theory, and a clinical example.

What's inside

An introduction to imagery rescripting.
Therapist guidance for using the resource.
Key references for learning more about imagery rescripting.

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FAQs

Imagery rescripting is an experiential therapeutic technique aimed at modifying distressing or traumatic images and memories.

Unlike cognitive therapy, which often involves discussion, imagery rescripting engages clients directly with imagery to evoke and alter associated meanings and emotional responses.

Yes, imagery rescripting is particularly effective for trauma-related conditions, enabling clients to safely reimagine and reconstruct traumatic events in a safe therapeutic setting.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This accessible resource can help clients:

Better understand what imagery rescripting entails.
Make an informed decision about engaging in imagery rescripting.
Feel more willing and motivated to use this intervention.

References And Further Reading

Holmes, E. A., Arntz, A., & Smucker, M. R. (2007). Imagery rescripting in cognitive behaviour therapy: Images, treatment techniques and outcomes. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 38(4), 297-305.
Smucker, M. R., Dancu, C., Foa, E. B., & Niederee, J. L. (1995). Imagery rescripting: A new treatment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse suffering from posttraumatic stress. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 9, 3-3.