Attachment, Schemas and Imagery Focused Therapy for Psychosis (iMAPS)

There is a growing evidence base for the use of mental imagery change techniques to target several psychological mechanisms which can maintain symptoms and distress in psychosis populations. Within this chapter, we attempt to synthesise this growing evidence base, whilst also considering the role of schemas and attachment in imagery work. Attachment was a central tenet in the development of Schema Therapy, thus it can help to consider relational experiences, both inter-personal and intra-personal. Research suggests we respond to imagined events in a similar manner to real events, thus imagery can enhance exploration and reprocessing of emotionally-powerful memories within existing therapy frameworks/ approaches. Moreover, imagery can strengthen feelings of safety and security by developing imagery that draws on the qualities of secure attachment relationships. We present a synthesis of the recent literature before introducing the iMAgery therapy for PSychosis model and a recent attachment-focused adaptation, with clinical case examples provided.