The Container Exercise: An EMDR-Based Guided Imagery Technique for Emotional Containment and Grounding
Coping Skills, Grounding, Mindfulness Z. Hamilton Avery Coping Skills, Grounding, Mindfulness Z. Hamilton Avery

The Container Exercise: An EMDR-Based Guided Imagery Technique for Emotional Containment and Grounding

The Container Exercise is an EMDR-based guided imagery technique that helps you temporarily set aside distressing thoughts, emotions, memories, or sensations when you need space to focus on the present. By imagining a secure container and choosing what to place inside it, you can practice emotional containment without denying or dismissing your experience. Learn how to use this visualization as a grounding and self-soothing skill.

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Lightstream: An EMDR-Based Guided Imagery Technique for Grounding and Emotional Regulation
Coping Skills, Grounding, Mindfulness Z. Hamilton Avery Coping Skills, Grounding, Mindfulness Z. Hamilton Avery

Lightstream: An EMDR-Based Guided Imagery Technique for Grounding and Emotional Regulation

Lightstream is an EMDR-based guided imagery technique that invites you to imagine a soothing light moving through your body. By choosing a color, temperature, and quality of light that feels comforting, you can practice responding to emotional distress and uncomfortable sensations with gentle, focused attention. Learn how to use this visualization as a grounding and self-soothing exercise without pressuring yourself to feel differently.

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Guided Imagery 101
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health and Well-Being, Relaxation Techniques Z. Hamilton Avery Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health and Well-Being, Relaxation Techniques Z. Hamilton Avery

Guided Imagery 101

Also commonly called mental imagery or guided visualization, guided imagery is a form of CAM that involves external instruction guiding participants to shift their focus away from distressing thoughts, feelings, sensations, or memories by asking them to actively imagine enjoyable scenes or scenarios. For example, participants may be asked to listen to a story, feel a particular emotion, or visualize a nature-based scene, healing light, or any image that would feel comforting.

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