My project explored whether adding a sleep-based technique — targeted memory reactivation (TMR) — to imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT) can enhance the modification of emotionally distressing autobiographical memories. IRRT works by replacing the negative meaning of past events with adaptive, self-empowering imagery, while TMR uses subtle sensory cues during sleep to strengthen specific memories.

In this talk, I will explain how we combined these two methods in a controlled experimental setup, linking positive memory updates to sensory cues and then reactivating them during sleep. This approach brings together psychotherapy, neuroscience, and sleep research — and raises fascinating questions about how the sleeping brain can be harnessed to support emotional healing.