A middle-aged woman with a distrust/abuse schema experienced a healing process using Reflected Image Meditation(RIM): A single case study

Reflected Image Meditation (RIM) therapy reduced scores on tests of early maladaptive schemas and dysfunctional beliefs, particularly the distrust/abuse schema. Participants reported emotional relief, freedom from irrational beliefs, and resolution of unresolved issues. They also gained insight into how childhood experiences of mistrust/abuse shaped their current personality and family conflicts, enabling them to plan new behaviors. The authors argue that RIM shows healing effects on the distrust/abuse schema but note that further research is needed to distinguish RIM's spiritual growth component from the imagery work of standard schema therapy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to show, through the statements of the research participants, how Reflected Image Meditation(RIM) therapy for early maladaptive schemas can relieve suffering from personality and lead to insight into personality. The results of the study are as follows. First, in the pre- and post-test comparison of the study participants’ simple psychological schema test and dysfunctional belief test, the scores on the post-test were significantly lower than those on the pre-test, proving that the Reflected Image Meditation(RIM) is effective in healing distrust/abuse schemas. Second, the research participants were able to relieve their emotions, break free from irrational beliefs, and resolve unresolved issues through mixed Reflected Image Meditation(RIM) therapy. Third, the research participants were able to gain insight into how their childhood experiences of mistrust/abuse shaped their current personality and were the cause of current family conflicts, and were able to plan and implement new behaviors. The discussion point of this study is that although this study showed the healing effect of Reflected Image Meditation(RIM) on the distrust/abuse schema, it is necessary to strengthen the difference from the imagery work of schema therapy through follow-up research that shows the spiritual growth unique to Reflected Image Meditation(RIM) that finds one’s true nature by realizing the law of acting.