half day workshop

IMAGERY RESCRIPTING FOR INTRUSIVE MEMORIES IN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DISORDERS
Ann Hackmann, Institute of Psychiatry, London,and University of Oxford England
Jon Wheatley, Camden and Islington Mental Health Trust, and University College London England

Princess Hotel Room: Mediterraneo

Imagery re-scripting of upsetting early memories has been used for patients with personality disorders, including survivors of childhood abuse (Smucker et al, 1995: Arntz and Weertman, 1999), but not routinely for Axis I disorders. This workshop demonstrates how rescripting memories can be effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety, used as a main intervention. A range of imagery techniques will be discussed, along with theoretical models and research findings.

Dr Ann Hackmann is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, working with a Wellcome funded research group headed by Professors Clark and Ehlers at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. She has a special interest in imagery and its relatationship to memory, and has conducted studies on this topic, including one on rescripting memories in social phobia.   Dr. Jon Wheatley is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with Camden and Islington Mental Health Trust. He and Dr. Hackmann have been working on a study of rescripting memories in depression, with Professor Brewin at University College, London, England.

Key References:
Brewin, C.R. (2006) Understanding cognitive behaviour therapy: A retrieval competition account. Behaviour Research and Therapy.  Ehlers, A. and Clark, D.M. (2000) A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy. 
Hackmann, A. (2004). Compassionate Imagery in the Treatment of Early Memories in Axis I Anxiety Disorders. In: P. Gilbert (ed). Compassion: Conceptualisations, Research and Use in Psychotherapy. London, Brunner-Routledge.