Imaginatives Überschreiben

Imaginative rewriting is an experience-oriented technique for reducing negative feelings that are presumably related to biographical experiences. Starting from the current problematic feeling, memory images are processed in such a way that the associated negative feelings are replaced by desired feelings. This allows for the processing of trauma-associated memory images, such as flashbacks related to memories of physical or sexual abuse, which may occur in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Additionally, generally negative emotions such as shame, anger, guilt, or fear, which are presumably linked to past experiences, can also be addressed. Examples include social anxieties stemming from bullying experiences in childhood or feelings of guilt due to earlier parentification.

The book provides information on the historical background and theoretical assumptions regarding the mechanisms of action. Through numerous examples, it illustrates the practical implementation and how to deal with typical problems encountered when applying the technique. It also addresses specific aspects, such as handling different life stages in memory or rewriting traumatic experiences of death.