During a recent class, while explaining some of the wide range of mental imagery techniques we use in the clinical setting as hypnotherapists, I discussed one way to break free from the grip of painful memories and heal from post-traumatic stress. We learn from Judith Beck’s insights on how people hold onto traumatic imagery and often the replayed imagery is from the most sensitive or painful part of the memory, which continues to induce anxiety and even retraumatise – teaching such clients to empower themselves with effective strategies for moving forward is something we were focusing upon during this part of class.