Embodied Imagination for Trauma Treatment: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Trauma is any overwhelming experience caused by exposure to a single or repeated life-threatening or distressing event(s) leaving imprints across mind, brain, and body and giving rise to many psychosomatic problems. The objective of this narrative review is to present the dream work method, Embodied Imagination (EI) developed by Jungian psychoanalyst, Robert Bosnak, as a method that can assist in alleviation of the effects of trauma. An overview of the fundamental components and theoretical underpinnings of the EI method are presented herein to demonstrate its suitability for trauma treatment. The neuroscientific findings, dream researches and principal ideas mentioned in the seminal work of Bessel van der Kolk, 'The Body Keeps the Score' forms the bedrock of this review. Relevant literature, both current and past is included to show support for EI, a psychotherapy modality which concentrates on dreams, imagination, physical sensations and emotions. This review calls attention to EI as a method that can facilitate the identification and integration of emotions and sensations, both interoceptive and exteroceptive, as well as the recognition of non-ego perspectives that exist beneath consciousness. The awareness and acknowledgment of new perspectives attained through EI bears significant implications for healing and alleviation of trauma. The implication even extends to the realm of brain plasticity wherein the new perspectives can activate new neural pathways facilitating transformations in emotions, associated thoughts, and memories. It is concluded that attending to dream images/memories through imagination can be efficacious in addressing the somatic and emotional effects of trauma.