Second, imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a cognitive-behavioral technique that teaches patients to change the content of a nightmare by creating a new and more positive ending. Usually you change it to a more positive version. The tehcnique is thought to work by addressing the meaning associated with intrusive images. Do not use your phone or tablet because of excessive light stimulation. The currently best‐supported psychological treatment for nightmares is imagery rehearsal therapy. The problem, however, is that not enough trained practitioners are available to offer this treatment. WRITE DOWN the narrative or the central elements of the bad dream. The first step is to write down a recent nightmare. Behavior Therapy, 41, 237-244. To facilitate recall, it is best to use a lighted pen and paper at your bedside to record the content. Imagery rescripting is an evidence-based treatment technique for intrusive images. This new ending is then repeatedly rehearsed in imagination during the day [ 6 ]. However, the underlying mechanisms of these treatments remain largely unknown. Recurrent nightmares can effectively be treated with cognitive-behavioral techniques such as imagery rehearsal therapy, which involves imagery rescripting (IR) of nightmares, and imaginal exposure (IE) therapy. Fifteen male U.S. veterans with PTSD and trauma‐related nightmares, who had not previously completed trauma‐focused PTSD treatment, attended 6 IRT group sessions. This study examined the applicability of imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) to children with frequent nightmares. Then you change the nightmare. Standards of Practice Committee: Journal of Sleep Medicine. ... Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 38(4), 297-305. Imagery rehearsal therapy involves changing the nightmare while awake; you “rehearse” the new version in your mind during the day. Eleven boys and 9 girls aged 9 to 11, with moderate to severe primary nightmares (1 or more per week for 6 months) and without posttraumatic stress disorder, were randomly divided into an imagery rehearsal treatment group (n = 9) or a waiting-list (n = 11) group. Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) may help reduce residual nightmares and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans after trauma‐focused PTSD treatment. Nisha, R. A. et al. R. Best practice guide for the treatment of nightmare disorder in adults. Effectiveness of imagery rehearsal therapy for the treatment of combat-related nightmares in veterans. You may also use a dedicated micro- A possible solution is to conduct imagery rehearsal therapy in a guided self‐help format. The Four Steps of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) 1. Skip to main content.