Abstract Imagery rescripting (ImRs) is a therapeutic technique that uses mental imagery to update the meanings associated with traumatic memories and reduce re-experiencing and emotional distress (Arntz, 2012). It is commonly used as a therapeutic technique for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study evaluates an ImRs intervention specifically developed to target somatic flashbacks. Somatic flashbacks can be understood as re-experiencing somatosensory sensations, such as touch or physical pain. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of the intervention. The study also explored if the intervention led to any differences in participants’ experiences of somatic flashbacks and their global symptoms of PTSD. A non-randomised feasibility study design was used. Seven participants who reported experiencing somatic flashbacks at assessment were recruited into the study. The ImRs intervention consisted of a pre-intervention session to complete measures, two ImRs intervention sessions, and a 4-week follow-up session. Participants’ experience of the intervention was measured at the end of the second ImRs session. Participants’ somatic flashbacks and global symptoms of PTSD were measured pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up. ImRs was feasible, safe, and acceptable. Frequency, intensity, and distress of somatic flashbacks reduced, and sense of coping increased following the intervention. A brief ImRs intervention for somatic flashbacks is a promising intervention. Future research should explore the prevalence of somatic flashbacks, underlying mechanisms of ImRs, the optimal timing and content of the intervention, and whether this can be integrated into existing trauma therapies. Key learning aims (1) To assess if imagery rescripting is a feasible intervention for somatic flashbacks. (2) To assess if imagery rescripting is a safe intervention for somatic flashbacks. (3) To assess if imagery rescripting is an acceptable intervention for somatic flashbacks. (4) To assess if the imagery rescripting intervention led to any differences in participants’ experiences of somatic flashbacks and their global symptoms of PTSD
Campbell et al. (Thu,) studied this question.