ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to lay the groundwork by thinking about how re-living and re-scripting interventions work, and what the indications might be for choosing between them. The debate about how re-living and re-scripting work is ongoing. Both re-living and re-scripting are special forms of exposure work for trauma, where the client is invited to re-visit the trauma in imagination, as vividly as possible. Re-living approaches have a solid evidence base for their effectiveness, but a higher drop-out rate than re-scripting approaches, especially when used with highly fearful or avoidant clients. Re-scripting approaches have a growing evidence base and allow client and therapist a gentler way to approach trauma. Hardy argues that when trauma appears as thematically related to the client’s symptoms, rather than as a direct intrusion, re-scripting may be more effective. Re-scripting the bullying, with the therapist protecting him and reassuring him in imagination, allows the client to experience comfort and safety, rather than simply a reduction in fear.
