In therapy for PTSD, which technique is described as guided imagery?

In therapy for PTSD, which technique is described as guided imagery?

• A. Guided imagery
• B. Imagery rehearsal therapy
• C. EMDR
• D. Critical Incident Stress Management

Answer: (A)

Guided imagery is a relaxation-focused approach where the therapist leads the patient through sensory-rich, calming mental images to evoke a relaxation response and reduce arousal. In PTSD treatment, this helps lower hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and distress by giving the patient a tool to shift attention from trauma reminders to a safe, soothing scene, often paired with slow breathing and deliberate muscle relaxation. Imagery is guided by the clinician but imagined by the patient, and the scenes can be tailored to the individual's experiences and coping resources. This stands in contrast to imagery rehearsal therapy, which uses imagined dream scripts to change nightmare content; EMDR, which combines recall of trauma with bilateral stimulation; and Critical Incident Stress Management, which is a crisis intervention approach.

Guided imagery is a relaxation-focused approach where the therapist leads the patient through sensory-rich, calming mental images to evoke a relaxation response and reduce arousal. In PTSD treatment, this helps lower hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and distress by giving the patient a tool to shift attention from trauma reminders to a safe, soothing scene, often paired with slow breathing and deliberate muscle relaxation. Imagery is guided by the clinician but imagined by the patient, and the scenes can be tailored to the individual's experiences and coping resources. This stands in contrast to imagery rehearsal therapy, which uses imagined dream scripts to change nightmare content; EMDR, which combines recall of trauma with bilateral stimulation; and Critical Incident Stress Management, which is a crisis intervention approach.