The Inner Peaceful Place technique is another possible resource and skill that may be taught in Phase 2 of EMDR. Similar to the Container technique, Inner Peaceful Place is a mental imagery-based tool that can be used inside and outside of sessions. This skill can be utilized when one needs a “mini mental vacation” and/or to help cultivate a sense of calm during distress. (Hint: this may also sounds similar to part of the DBT Distress Tolerance skill IMPROVE the Moment)
Inner Peaceful Place can be just about anywhere, real or imagined. It’s important to think of a place that cultivates a sense of peace, calm, or even neutrality. For example, some may utilize a beach scene, the woods, or even a place in one’s home.
Once the client identifies their Inner Peaceful Place, the clinician and client will practice recalling it and noticing how it feels in the body to feel calm, peaceful, etc. Similarly to The Container, the use of slow BLS sets will be utilized to strengthen positive or neural shifts and associations.
If you would like to practice with your Inner Peaceful Place, I recommend listening to the Notice That podcast episode here (1).
If you are curious to learn more about EMDR or are interested in beginning your EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here.
Citations
Savage, J., Benintendi, M., & Falkenstien, B. (2019, November 17). Episode 15: Calm Experience. Notice That. https://emdr-podcast.com/episode-15-calm-experience/
Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.