Hi there, Yes it is unfortunate that we cannot control the nightmares, I guess those visual images are controlled by a different part of the brain. With regard to visulization for me I tried for 9 weeks and there was still nothing so that process for a possible path to managing CRPS pain is not currently there for me. Currently I am watching video of my hands moving and narrating what I am doing and saying it is without pain. This has not had any effect at this current time. I had heard of EMDR (I think it had been mentioned to me) I did not know it involved vizulization. Re photography, yes I was obsessed with capturing everything and it is my only form of reference to the past now. I really hope you find a way forward that works for you.
I score 1 on all the test questions there is nothing, however I have the most horrific nightmares and I know when I am having them I am seeing everything. When I wake I know what I saw but it would be impossible for me to visualize them. I just have the upsetting memory of them.