“I'll believe it when I can see it”: Imagery rescripting of intrusive sensory memories in depression

Intrusive sensory memories are a common feature of depression but these are not targeted in standard cognitive treatments. Imagery rescripting of distressing memories has so far been mainly used to treat trauma-related disorders and as a component of the treatment of personality disorders. We propose that this approach might also be effective in treating depression. This paper describes the initial application of imagery rescripting as a stand-alone treatment for two patients with a sole diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The two cases are described in detail and follow-up data are reported. Implications for the cognitive treatment of depression and for our theoretical understanding about the mechanisms of change in cognitive therapy are considered.