Nightmare Relief: Implementing Imagery Rehearsal Therapy in Counseling

Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a research-supported behavioral intervention that reduces the frequency and severity of nightmares. It also reduces negative mental health symptoms, particularly those associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. IRT is straightforward for mental health counselors to facilitate, and the steps for implementing it are described, along with strategies to ensure cultural competence and effectiveness in delivery. Knowledge of how to implement IRT gives counselors the ability to directly support clients in addressing the disturbing experience of nightmares.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a research-supported behavioral intervention shown to reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares. Research also shows IRT reduces negative mental health symptoms, especially those associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. IRT is straightforward for mental health counselors to facilitate, and the steps for implementing it are described along with strategies to ensure cultural competence and effectiveness in the delivery. The knowledge of how to implement an IRT intervention gives mental health counselors the ability to directly support clients in addressing the disturbing experience of nightmares.