About this worksheet
Imagery rescripting (ImRs) rewrites the felt-sense ending of a distressing memory or image — not the facts of what happened, but the felt experience of what happened next. The worksheet identifies the image or memory (a few identifying words are enough — full re-narration is not required), what the child or earlier self needed in that moment and did not get, who enters the image now (adult self, protector, therapist, ally, or imagined helper), what they say and do in first person and present tense, and what the earlier self receives and does next. Before and after distress ratings frame the shift. ImRs has evidence in PTSD, complex trauma, social anxiety, and depression with intrusive memory. It is best done with a therapist guiding, at least initially — the worksheet is preparation and post-session anchor, not a substitute for guided rescripting.
When to use it
- PTSD and complex PTSD — often alongside CPT or EMDR.
- Chronic nightmares — see nightmare-rescripting.
- Social anxiety with vivid feared-image content.
- Depression with intrusive memory of past humiliation or loss.
- IFS work when a young exile needs contact from Self or an ally.
How to use it
- 1
First person, present tense
The mechanism depends on felt-sense. Past-tense narration keeps the memory frozen; present-tense presence changes what the nervous system stores.
- 2
The client identifies who enters
The rescripter is not the therapist by default. Adult self, protector part, imagined ally — whoever the client's system trusts.
- 3
What the earlier self receives is the intervention
The rescripter's actions matter only insofar as the earlier self receives them. Track the receiving explicitly.
- 4
Best done with a therapist guiding, at least at first
ImRs can activate trauma material. Self-guided rescripting works better as anchoring practice after in-session work.
Frequently asked questions
Is imagery rescripting the same as EMDR?+
Different mechanism. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation with the target memory; ImRs actively rewrites the felt-sense of the memory. Both have evidence; often used complementarily.
What if the client can't picture the rescripter clearly?+
A felt sense of presence is enough — visual clarity is not required. 'Someone strong is here' works.
Is this worksheet free?+
Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.
Worksheet — Imagery Rescripting Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
