Hey there, friends! Today, I want to dive into a powerful tool that’s not only a staple in EMDR therapy but can also benefit anyone seeking to manage stress and cultivate inner peace: the EMDR container exercise. Whether you’re familiar with EMDR therapy or not, this exercise can be a game-changer in your mental health toolkit.

So, what exactly is the EMDR container exercise? It’s a visualization technique designed to help you contain and manage distressing thoughts, feelings, or emotions. Think of it as creating a safe space within your mind where you can store and process challenging experiences without feeling overwhelmed. Intrigued? Let’s walk through the steps together.

Step 1: Identify What Needs to be Contained

The first step is to identify what you want to contain. It could be stress, anxiety, anger, or any other emotion or thought pattern that’s weighing you down. Take a moment to acknowledge what it is you’re struggling with and make a mental note of it.

Step 2: Visualize Your Perfect Container

Now, imagine a container that’s perfect for holding your stressor. It could be anything from a small box to a massive vault – whatever feels right for you. Picture it clearly in your mind, noticing its size, shape, and durability.

Step 3: Contain the Stressor

Next, visualize your stressor entering the container. Watch as it flows effortlessly into the container, leaving you with a sense of relief as it’s safely contained. If you need to, imagine closing the lid, locking the door, or adding any other security measures to ensure the stressor stays inside.

Step 4: Enhance the Containment (Optional)

If you feel like your stressor needs extra protection, get creative! You could imagine placing a lock on the container, surrounding it with protective energy, or even burying it deep underground. Trust your intuition and do whatever feels right for you.

Step 5: Invite Healing Energy (Optional)

Now, if you’re open to it, invite healing or spiritual energy to penetrate the container. Visualize a warm, soothing light surrounding the container, gently infusing it with healing energy. Allow yourself to bask in this healing energy until you feel a sense of peace and resolution.

Step 6: Reflect on Your Experience

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Notice any shifts in your body or emotions. How do you feel now compared to before you started the exercise? Acknowledge any changes and give yourself credit for taking this important step towards self-care.

Step 7: Decide What to Do Next

Finally, decide what you want to do with the container. You can leave it in its safe place for now or choose to revisit it later. Remember, this exercise is always available to you whenever you need it, so don’t hesitate to use it whenever life throws challenges your way.

And there you have it – a step-by-step guide to harnessing the power of the EMDR container exercise. Whether you’re facing everyday stressors or processing past traumas, this simple yet effective technique can help you find peace amidst the chaos.

I encourage you to incorporate this exercise into your daily routine and see how it transforms your relationship with stress and anxiety. And if you ever need a reminder, just come back to this guide and let the soothing power of the EMDR container exercise guide you back to inner calmness.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and remember, you’ve got the strength to contain whatever life throws your way. Learn more about EMDR in our full  podcast episode on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTCJ-eymwXI&t=1s