In this blog, we will learn about how to do imaginal exposure. Triggers such as pictures and scripts can be used for imaginal exposure. One must remember the following essential points when writing a script for imaginal exposure. You can write about 4-5 scripts. The scripts must be in the “future tense” to make it more effective. The script must revolve around a “worst-case scenario” and express the worst fears of fear of consequences. It must describe in detail who will be affected and what will happen. The situation must be described using all five senses. Record the scripts and listen to the scripts every day for one hour.
An example of an imaginal exposure script:
“ I will be leaving the house tomorrow and for the entire week without checking if the door is well locked. I will be unsure if I have locked the door as I usually have to check it 3 and 5 times each. Unless I do this pattern, I would be very distressed and have a nagging fear that the lock will fail or there may be dirt inside, which might prevent its full function. I will leave the door after locking it without checking if it is locked. I will be highly anxious and think about this until work. A thief will break into the house as it is unlocked.
He would steal and take away my expensive television and laptop. I have some money in the house, and he will steal it, too. I will be distraught upon hearing this and await a call from the police soon. I will not be able to meet the expenses in the forthcoming months as I will lose a lot of money. My family will suffer out of hunger and be very distressed. I cannot bear to see them this way. I might lose my job and all my savings, and I will be out on the streets with my family.
Now, I might hear the police siren anytime, and the police might call me anytime. When I go home, I might see a crowd outside my house. This crowd is witnessing the aftereffects of the burglary. Everyone will blame me, and I will be morally responsible for the theft. It will be my fault that my family will go hungry and live on the streets. I will be labelled such an evil person. How can I survive being responsible for this burglary and letting down my family this way? I will be so distressed that I might die of a heart attack due to the guilt sustained. In that case, no one will care for my family and young children. I will be solely responsible for their suffering”. The above is an example of an exposure script for imaginal exposure. You can write your script, as each person’s thoughts and fears are unique depending on their symptoms and feared outcomes. These blogs aim to give you the most up-to-date information on treating OCD in a simple format.
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