What Is Imagery Rescripting?
A trauma-informed approach to working with distressing memories and entrenched beliefs
Imagery Rescripting is a trauma-informed psychological approach used to work with distressing memories, early experiences, and deeply held beliefs that continue to affect a person’s emotional wellbeing in the present. It is commonly used in trauma-focused and schema-based therapy, particularly where experiences feel emotionally “stuck” or continue to shape how someone relates to themselves and others.
People often come across Imagery Rescripting when exploring trauma therapy options and wonder how it differs from approaches like EMDR, or whether it might be helpful for them. This post offers a clear, practical overview of what Imagery Rescripting is, how it works, and what to expect.
Understanding Imagery Rescripting
Imagery Rescripting involves working with emotionally charged memories using guided imagery. Rather than simply talking about past experiences, the therapist supports the client to revisit significant memories in a structured and contained way, with the aim of changing how those experiences are emotionally held and understood.
Many people carry vivid emotional memories linked to early trauma, neglect, or repeated relational experiences. Even when these events are in the past, they can continue to influence emotions, self-beliefs, and behaviour in the present. Imagery Rescripting aims to work directly with these memory networks to reduce emotional distress and shift long-standing patterns.
The focus is not on re-living trauma, but on transforming the meaning and emotional impact of the memory.
A Schema-Based Approach
Imagery Rescripting is commonly used within Schema Therapy, a trauma-informed approach that recognises how early experiences shape enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating. In this context, imagery work is often used to address unmet emotional needs and core beliefs such as:
“I’m not safe”
“I’m unlovable”
“I’m not good enough”
“I will be abandoned”
During Imagery Rescripting, the therapist may guide the client to imagine alternative responses or outcomes within the memory — ones that provide protection, validation, or care that was missing at the time. This process can support shifts in emotional responses, self-perception, and relational patterns.
How Imagery Rescripting Works
Sessions involving Imagery Rescripting are carefully structured and paced. The process typically includes:
establishing emotional safety and grounding
identifying a relevant memory or experience
guiding imagery work at a tolerable pace
supporting emotional processing and integration
The therapist remains actively involved, helping to ensure the process feels contained and supportive. The goal is not to change historical facts, but to change how the memory is emotionally encoded and understood.
Over time, this can reduce the intensity of emotional reactions, soften entrenched beliefs, and support a greater sense of internal safety and self-compassion.
What Does Imagery Rescripting Help With?
Imagery Rescripting is often used to support adults experiencing:
trauma and complex trauma
childhood emotional neglect or relational trauma
persistent shame or self-criticism
longstanding emotional patterns that feel difficult to shift
trauma-related beliefs that continue to affect daily life
It can be particularly helpful when distress feels rooted in early experiences rather than current circumstances alone.
What to Expect
Imagery Rescripting can feel emotionally powerful, but it should never feel overwhelming or unsafe. Therapy is paced carefully, and the process is collaborative and responsive to individual needs. Many people describe feeling relief, clarity, or a sense of emotional shift following imagery-based work, though experiences vary.
As with all trauma-focused approaches, it is important that Imagery Rescripting is delivered by a therapist trained in the method and within a trauma-informed framework.
Is Imagery Rescripting Right for You?
Imagery Rescripting may be helpful if you notice recurring emotional responses, memories, or beliefs that feel difficult to change through talking alone. It is one of several trauma-informed approaches that can support deeper emotional processing and integration.
If you’re curious about whether Imagery Rescripting — or a trauma intensive — may be appropriate for you, this can be explored through an initial discussion to assess suitability and answer any questions.