Emily Holmes on an imagery competing task for intrusive trauma memories

How can you stop traumatic flashbacks in just one session?

Intrusive memories are so common after experiencing traumatic events and are one of the hallmark features of PTSD, but what if you could take away the power of those images without having to discuss them at length in therapy? In this episode, Emily Holmes talks about a new randomised controlled trial of an imagery-competing task, where participants are taught in just one guided session to recall a traumatic memory and then use mental rotation and playing Tetris, which had a strong effect on reducing intrusive memories and PTSD symptoms.  We talk about the neuroscience-informed development of this approach to trauma, and the importance of finding scalable and accessible approaches in psychological intervention research. 

Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(25)00397-9/fulltext

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