Many if not most people have had a nightmare, but what to do if they occur so often you dread going to sleep? Vena Wilson, LCSW discuses how to manage this type of anxiety and fear by sharing tip from Dr. Barry Krakow’s nightmare protocol. She explains what image rehearsal therapy is and how it works.

Please be advised this work is best done in conjunction with a licensed mental health therapist. If you do decide to do so alone it is very important to start with the nightmare that is least traumatic to you.

Resources:

The Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Workbook for PTSD: Overcome Fear and Anxiety and Reclaim Your Life (Chapter Nine: Taking Control Back From Your Nightmares)

Brief Guide to Image Rehearsal Therapy for Nightmare Disorders

https://psychcentral.com/blog/a-brief-guide-to-imagery-rehearsal-therapy-irt-for-nightmare-disorders-for-clinicians-and-patients/