Nightmares
Treatment for Nightmares
Nightmares are extremely frightening dreams. Even one nightmare can be upsetting and chronic or repeating nightmares can be very distressing and debilitating. Nightmares are like movies that our brain makes when we are asleep. Nightmares are often about threats to our survival, security, or self-esteem. Feelings like fear, anxiety, anger, sadness and disgust are common in nightmares.
How do Nightmares develop?
Nightmares often develop after someone has survived a trauma. The traumatic event could be a physical or sexual assault, witnessing a crime, death or accident, or being involved in a natural disaster such as a fire or flood. Chronic nightmares can also develop in people who cannot pinpoint any specific traumatic event.
If you have been troubled by chronic nightmares, we can help.
We have many therapists at our Clinic who know how to help you gain control over your nightmares.
What is the treatment for Nightmares?
There is an effective and research proven treatment approach for chronic nightmares that can produce very significant improvement in only 5 treatment sessions. This treatment approach is called Exposure, Relaxation, and Re-scripting Therapy (ERRT). The treatment program was originally developed to help combat veterans control their nightmares and improve their sleep. Research now shows that the same approach can be helpful for anyone with chronic nightmares. This new treatment approach takes elements from cognitive behaviour therapy, exposure therapy, relaxation therapy and mindfulness.
If you have been troubled by chronic nightmares, please contact us. You don’t have to be afraid to go to sleep. We have therapists at our Clinic who know how to help you gain control over your nightmares. We are here to help. Contact us or request an appointment to find out which of our therapists would be right for you.
