Imagery rescripting in cognitive behaviour therapy: images, treatment techniques and outcomes
Emily A Holmes1, Arnoud Arntz, Mervin R Smucker
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK. emily.holmes@psych.ox.ac.uk
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|November 24, 2007
Summary
Imagery rescripting, a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) technique, is increasingly used for distressing mental imagery. This special issue explores its applications across various psychological disorders and treatment innovations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Background:
- Imagery rescripting, a core component of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), is gaining prominence for treating intrusive and distressing mental imagery.
- This special issue compiles research on imagery rescripting interventions for a spectrum of psychological conditions.
Discussion:
- The collected papers examine imagery rescripting's efficacy in conditions such as PTSD, depression, social phobia, snake phobia, mental contamination, bulimia, and suicidality.
- Various imagery rescripting techniques are explored, highlighting their application in diverse clinical contexts.
- The issue provides a working definition of two imagery rescripting types and a framework for understanding these cognitive therapy techniques.
Key Insights:
- Imagery rescripting offers a versatile therapeutic approach for problematic mental imagery.
- The intervention shows promise across a wide range of psychological disorders, including novel applications.
- Research presented aims to advance the clinical use of imagery rescripting.
Outlook:
- Future research should explore imagery rescripting for additional clinical disorders.
- Continued innovation in imagery rescripting techniques is encouraged.
- This special issue serves as a foundation for future treatment development in cognitive therapy.
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