Trauma, Nightmares, Insomnia, and Distressed Sleep
- The relationship between trauma, sleep, and nightmares
- Types of trauma-related nightmares
- Common challenges associated with sleep disturbance
- Harmful habits often seen among individuals desiring restful sleep
Assessment and Treatment Planning
- DSM-5™ diagnoses associated with nightmares
- Using clinical interviews and self-report measures
- Skills for assessing trauma-related nightmares
- Sleep diaries, trauma history, and PTSD checklist
- Differential diagnosis
- Pros and cons of medication management to treat nightmares
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Image Rehearsal Therapy for Reduced Nightmare Frequency and Intensity
- Session structure outlines and scripts
- Step 1: CBT strategies for better sleep
- Using sleep restriction to decrease clients time in bed laying awake
- Sleep consolidation for less fragmented sleep
- Step 2: IRT to rescript nightmares and reduce emotional intensity
- How to guide clients in creating a calming image
- Imagery exercises that empower clients to re-script nightmares
- Dream rehearsal techniques to practice positive dream scenarios and outcomes
- Guide clients in gradual exposure to traumatic memories during IRT
- Step 3: Target hyperarousal and manage anxiety with mindfulness and relaxation practices
- Adapting IRT for cultural and clinical diversity
- Research, treatment limitations, and risks
Problem Solving Issues Related to Treatment Implementation
- Practical steps to increase client compliance
- When clients can’t create clear detailed imagery
- Co-occurring issues
- Best practices to increase treatment efficacy
Nightmare Treatment Case Studies
- 27-year-old woman with childhood trauma
- 45-year-old man who has been diagnosed with PTSD related to a workplace accident
- 28-year-old woman who was involved in a mass shooting


