Trauma and EMDR: stabilisation · worksheet 95
You have already been through difficult things: you have resources, even if you don’t always see them. Gathering them here helps you lean on them during therapy and in daily life.
This exercise is best done with the support of a psychologist.
Before you start
- What it is for: To gather what holds you up so you can lean on it when things are hard.
- About 20 minutes. Best done with your psychologist: in EMDR therapy, resources are strengthened in session.
- A resource is something that gives you strength, calm or a sense of safety: a person, a place, a quality, a memory of feeling capable.
- It doesn’t have to be big: a grandfather who looked after you, a character in a novel, the moment you passed your driving test all count.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
The richer your list, the more support you have. Notice the resource that helps you most: it is the first one to use.
If you find it hard
If you can’t find any resource, think of someone who helped you, even a little, or a character who inspires you. Avoid anything linked to difficult memories.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Identify and strengthen the person’s resources (supportive relationships, places, personal qualities, memories of competence, inspiring figures), usable during therapy and in daily life.
Preparation and stabilisation phase, a low sense of having resources. Duration: 20 min in session.
References
Korn, D. L. & Leeds, A. M. (2002). Preliminary evidence of efficacy for EMDR resource development and installation in the stabilization phase of treatment of complex posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(12), 1465-1487.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
