Who Is This For?

This is an educational tool for anyone who experiences recurrent nightmares or distressing dreams, particularly those associated with past trauma (PTSD) or high stress.

The Science: Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT)

This game is a simulation of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), a “first-line” cognitive-behavioral treatment for nightmares.

The theory is that chronic nightmares are a “learned” habit. The dream script gets “stuck” and replays. IRT works by:

1. 1. Writing down the nightmare (but stopping before the worst part).
2. 2. **Rewriting** a new, non-distressing ending to the dream.
3. 3. **Rehearsing** this new script (by reading it and visualizing it) for 5-10 minutes each day.

This “rehearsal” process gives your brain a new, safe “track” to follow, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of the nightmare over time.

References

Krakow, B., & Zadra, A. (2010). Imagery rehearsal therapy for posttraumatic nightmares in U.S. veterans. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 304(5), 537-542.

Data & Privacy

This game uses your browser’s localStorage to save your “Storyboards.” This data is stored only on your device. It is never sent to any server.

Clear My Storyboard

Warning & Disclaimer

This is not therapy. This is an educational tool. IRT is a powerful technique that is **best done with a trained therapist**, especially if nightmares are related to trauma.

No Guarantee: Joyful Psych Labs makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the effectiveness of this tool for treating nightmares or PTSD.

Liability: Your use of this tool is solely at your own risk. Joyful Psych Labs (and its creators) shall have no liability or responsibility for any adverse consequences alleged to have happened as a consequence of using this game.