Nightmares or terrifying dreams are among the most commonPTSD symptoms.

IRT focuses directly on helping to make nightmares less intense for people with PTSD.

In IRT treatment, you’re helped to reimagine your nightmares with different, less frightening outcomes.

man in bed with blankets pulled up to his chin

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The goal is to “reprogram” your nightmares to be less terrifying if and when they occur again.

Could This Therapy Be Upsetting?

Your therapist will likely ask you to begin your IRT with one or more of your less-frightening nightmares.

The goal is not to trigger emotional responses.

Instead, it’s to help you view your nightmares with as little emotion as possible.

Think of it as a “crawl before you walk” approach.

How Long Does It Last?

It’s important to be aware that IRT is not an open-ended therapy.

Is This Approach Right for You?

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American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic disorder.