Imagery rescripting as part of a multi-component approach to complex trauma in an adult with intellectual disability: a case study

Purpose – Many people with intellectual disabilities experience complex trauma, but there is little guidance to inform intervention. This case study reports the use of Imagery rescripting (ImRs) to support an adult with an intellectual disability to recover from complex trauma. Although mental imagery may have clinical utility in intellectual disabilities, there are no reports of using ImRs in this population. This paper aims to describe the potential of ImRs for supporting trauma recovery in intellectual disability. Design/methodology/approach – ImRs was used as part of a multicomponent approach to complex trauma in a person with mild intellectual disability. The therapeutic approach included compassion-focused interventions during stabilisation, followed by ImRs of the traumatic memory. Findings – Complex trauma symptoms reduced during stabilisation and were eliminated following ImRs. Self-compassion improved over the course of therapy. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study reporting ImRs for people with intellectual disabilities. ImRs may have clinical utility in intellectual disability populations, however further research is required.