Nightmares can be a scary and upsetting experience for children. They often feel very real and can cause a child to feel worried or scared even after waking up. For parents/caregivers and clinicians, a key part of helping a child is to reassure them, comfort them, and give them a sense of control over their dreams.
This is where Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) can be so powerful. IRT is a technique that empowers children to take control of their dreams and change them from frightening to less scary. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to this process, specially designed for young children.
What’s in the Handout?
- Understanding Nightmares: The first page offers clear information about nightmares, including what they are and what can cause them. It also offers advice for caregivers on how to respond when a child wakes up from a nightmare and how to help them feel safe.
- Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): This section breaks down the IRT process for caregivers to reference at home.
- Draw Your Nightmare: The handout includes a dedicated space for children to draw their nightmare. Drawing is a fantastic way for younger children to engage when writing isn’t as accessible.
- Changing the Story: This section encourages children to become the “author of their dream.” It provides space for them to draw a new, less scary version of the dream, where they can make the scary part silly or give themselves superpowers. This visual approach makes it easier for children to rescript the story.
- Rehearsing the New Dream: The final pages guide children in practicing their new dream. The goal is to make the new details as vivid as a movie in their head. Consistent practice helps a child’s brain learn this new skill and feel more confident.
Clinicians