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Mervin R.
Smucker

About Mervin R. Smucker

Known for developing imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT), one of the most well-regarded therapeutic interventions for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, Mervin R. Smucker lectures and consults internationally. As one of the foremost experts in his field, Mervin R. Smucker teaches and supervises the application of IRRT, an empirically supported treatment that relies on transforming images of helplessness and victimization into images of competence and mastery.

Based on Mervin R. Smucker’s extensive clinical research with trauma victims or patients with post-traumatic stress disorder in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, IRRT protocol includes the three distinct phases of imaginal exposure, mastery imagery, and self-nurturing/self-calming imagery. With the assistance of a highly trained clinician, the patient’s self-generated responses facilitate the development of mastery images as well as the emotive and cognitive experience of mastery.

Since his first publication on IRRT appeared in 1994, Mervin R. Smucker has authored and co-authored several texts about the application of IRRT. With years of extensive experience and study abroad, Mervin R. Smucker publishes and lectures in English and German, most recently completing Imagery Rescripting & Reprocessing Therapy: Behandlungsmanual für Typ I Trauma (2008). Mervin R. Smucker’s articles have appeared in several prestigious publications, including the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry and the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

With nearly 30 years of clinical, research, teaching, and supervision experience at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of Freiburg, Mervin R. Smucker currently functions as a consultant for several training and research sites in Europe. Mervin R. Smucker holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Foreign Languages from Antioch College.


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  • An Interview with Mervin Smucker, Ph.D.
    August, 2011
    Dr. Mervin Smucker is an internationally renowned clinician, consultant, and trainer in the field of trauma. Dr. Mervin Smucker has conducted training seminars around the world on imagery rescripting, an application of cognitive behavior therapy, which has proven effective in cases of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Question: What is imagery rescripting?

    Dr. Smucker: Imagery rescripting is an original treatment that I developed with colleagues in the early 1990s as an effective form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Clients with PTSD often see repeated upsetting images of their original trauma in their minds. Such image-rich scenarios can play out vividly, engaging all of the senses and appearing as a scenario in the present rather than in the past. Imagery rescripting helps clients to move beyond these repeat multi-sensory experiences by providing a new script or modification that enables them to replace victimization images with mastery images, and to develop self-compassionate imagery by means of visualizing oneself as a competent, capable individual today calming, soothing, nurturing, and reassuring one’s “traumatized self” back then.

    Question: Please describe the process.

    Dr. Smucker: A session may last 60 to 90 minutes and includes three phases. In the first phase, we have the client visualize and describe the distressing imagery, including all of the sensations and emotions that accompany it. We call this imaginal reliving. In the second phase, the client develops mastery imagery by challenging, confronting, modifying, and replacing the distressing images with coping/empowering images. Finally, in phase three the client visualizes him-herself as a competent, empowered individual today calming, soothing, comforting the “traumatized self” back then.

    Question: Can you give an example of this?

    Dr. Smucker: Suppose a childhood abuse victim is reliving experience through repeated flashbacks. The client may see herself as an adult today entering the abuse scene and confronting (physically, verbally) and disempowering the perpetrator, and then visualizing taking the CHILD to safety where the ADULT can visually offer nurturance and reassurance to the CHILD.

    Question: How long does the process take to work?

    Dr. Smucker: The standard treatment is eight sessions. However, it may only take a few sessions, depending on the type of trauma. We encourage the client to listen to audio recordings of the session every day until their next session. This helps to reinforce the newly-created mastery images from the previous session.

  • Tips to Overcome Depression, by Mervin Smucker
    October, 2011
    Depression can oftentimes prove to be incredibly difficult and seemingly insurmountable. Unfortunately, the negative thought patterns of depression hamper one’s own ability to effectively cope with the immediate stressors that are often temporary in nature and solvable. In addition, depression sufferers are often overly self-focused and self-absorbed, which can prevent them from focusing outside themselves onto their external world, engaging in healthy relationships with others and experiencing a sense of interpersonal “connectedness” with others. Some individuals are able to overcome depression on their own by using self-help techniques; others may need professional assistance. With an effective cognitive and behavioral approach, and sometimes with the help of medication, depression can often be overcome. In addition to changing one’s negative thinking patterns, learning how to be more mindful and present in the moment can alleviate depression. With the appropriate tools and professional assistance, many individuals can successfully work their way out of depression. The suggestions listed below outline some useful ways to cope with, and eventually overcome, depression.

    1. Actively work on becoming less self-focused and on contributing to the happiness of others. Experience the deep joy and rich rewards of healthy friendships, in which you feel not only a sense of connectedness with others, but are able to contribute positively to the lives of others as well.

    2. Actively confront, challenge, and modify the negative thoughts and beliefs that feed and fuel your feelings of depression.

    3. Learn to be more mindful and here-and-now focused. Live more in the present moment.

    4. Take part in a healthy lifestyle. A good diet, healthy sleeping patterns, and regular exercise are natural anti-depressants.

    5. Stress is a significant contributing factor to depression. Monitor your stress levels. Seek ways to reduce and better manage stress at work and at home.

    6. Take time to engage in pleasurable and enjoyable activities. Lots of physical activity and laughter increase endorphin production and counteract depression.

    7. Live a balanced lifestyle, allowing for personal reflective moments, time with friends and family, and opportunities for learning, growth and productivity. Engaging in a variety of hobbies and activities will help to keep your mind healthy and strong.

    8. Consider speaking with a professional regarding treatment options. For some, medicinal or psychological assistance is the best route; others may prefer more natural, holistic, or spiritual means.

    About the Author:
    A cognitive behavioral psychologist, Mervin Smucker has over 30 years experience as a professor, trainer, consultant, and clinician. An author of several books, many journal articles and a notable keynote speaker, Dr. Smucker continues to share his knowledge with the medical field. Mervin Smucker is especially known for his training seminars and workshops on the treatment of various psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.