A common symptom of trauma is experiencing disturbing nightmares that prevent survivors from getting restful sleep. The images experienced in your nightmares may be closely related to the traumatic event. Nightmares can be a way for the brain to process traumatic events, which can lead to hyperarousal and cause you to be on high alert, even during sleep. Nightmares can have significant negative impacts on your overall well-being.
Consequences of nightmares include:
- Poor sleep quality
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Mood disturbance
- Fatigue
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Physical health issues
- Relationship strain
- Mental health issues
Addressing nightmares through imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) can significantly improve your well-being by decreasing your nightmares.
Some sleep disorders that are associated with nightmares include:
- Nightmare Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
- Narcolepsy
- Parasomnias
IRT contributes to a more positive outlook and a better ability to cope with past traumas or sources of stress.
What Is Imagery Rehearsal Therapy?
Image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps trauma survivors alleviate nightmares. IRT helps you rewrite your nightmares by changing the disturbing images to more positive dream scenarios. IRT can be helpful if you experience nightmares after going through a traumatic event.
Embrace Healing The Power of Trust in Therapeutic Relationships
“In my experience, the most effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Establishing trust between a client and clinician is the first step to healing.”
How to Do Imagery Rehearsal Therapy?
IRT is a structured approach that includes the following steps:
- Record the nightmare: Your therapist will ask you to write down your nightmare as soon as you wake up in as much detail as you remember.
- Rewrite: Your therapist will guide you through rewriting the nightmares to change the disturbing images to more positive or neutral events.
- Visualization: You will rehearse your rewritten dream during wakefulness.
- Practice: Set aside time each day to practice visualizing the new dream.
- Relaxation: In therapy, you will learn relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
- Monitor progress: You will learn how to keep records of your dreams and nightmares. Throughout IRT you will notice the frequency and intensity of nightmares will decrease.
It is important to practice IRT with the help of a qualified professional clinician. The therapists at the Trauma Therapy Center provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your trauma and nightmares. This setting is essential for IRT to be effective.
Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a powerful tool to reclaim restful nights and eliminate the burden of distressing nightmares. At Trauma Therapy Center, our seasoned experts are committed to guiding you on this transformative journey towards better sleep and enhanced well-being. Take the first step toward peaceful nights by exploring our IRT services virtually or in West Palm Beach today.