Trauma and EMDR: stabilisation · worksheet 92
Between two sessions, some memories or emotions can spill over. You can imagine a solid container to store them in, for a while. They are not lost: you will retrieve them in session, when the time is right.
This exercise is best done with the support of a psychologist.
Before you start
- What it is for: To set aside, for a while, memories or emotions that spill over between sessions.
- About 10 minutes to create the container with your psychologist; then a few minutes each time you use it.
- The container is an image for storing, for now, memories or emotions you can’t attend to right now. It doesn’t erase them: it puts them aside until the next session.
- The more detailed and solid you imagine it, the better it works.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
If you manage to close your container and feel calmer, the resource is working. Note what you stored so you can talk about it in session.
If you find it hard
If the container opens by itself or you feel worse, stop and talk about it with your psychologist: the resource can be adapted.
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
Build in the imagination a safe container in which the person can temporarily store intrusive memories, images or emotions between sessions, to retrieve them later in therapy.
Stabilisation phase, intrusive memories between sessions. To be built in session. Duration: 15-20 min in session; use when needed.
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford.
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.
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).
