Commonly used with EMDR therapy, this container visualization can be really helpful to use at the end of a distressing therapy session, or if you need to put tough thoughts and feelings aside to return to later. I walk you though the visualization exercise so you can use it whenever you need it!

Here is the script I used:

Hey healers! Today I am going to walk you through a container visualization. This can be really helpful at the end of a distressing therapy session, or

where you need to transition to a different task and need to put aside your thoughts and feelings to return to later.

I also use this before bed to clear my mind of everything I did that day.

First picture your container. It can be made out of any material you want, and can be as bid and as wide as your need it to be. Once you have it, take a moment to check in with yourself.

What feels upsetting or distressing right now?

You might notice certain thoughts or memories that you would like to put aside; go ahead and picture putting those into the container. Any distressing images can also go in your container.

Now notice any feelings that are coming up that you would like to contain. It may be helpful to consider that feelings are information about what’s going on in your environment. If it’s too much information or you don’t have enough time to process it all, see if you can notice and name the feeling as you put it in your container to return to later.

Notice any sensations in your body that feel distressing. Take a moment to acknowledge them as you shift them into the container.

Do a final scan to see if there is anything else hanging out that needs to be contained right now.

Once your container is full, go ahead and close it up. You can secure your container however you like. Some folks like to add a one-way mail slot so they can catch any random thoughts or feelings that need containing

Remember, containers are meant to be returned to so make a plan to check in with what you contained today when you have some time to dedicate to processing it, like in therapy.

Thanks for containing with me!