A safe place....

I’ve been writing about some resources that are used in EMDR to help children (and adults) to deal with their big feelings. Last blog post was about relaxation, particularly breathing. This week, I’m going to focus on a resource called “A safe place”.

“A safe place” is an imagination exercise in which we imagine a place of safety. This place can be a favorite place associated with positive and warm feelings such as being at the beach, or in the bush, or on a mountain top. It could be an imaginary place, or a place in a movie or on another planet. The place is much less important than the feelings of safety that it can create in the mind of a child. Once the child has chosen a safe place (or they can draw it), you can ask them to close their eyes and describe it - what does it look like, smell like, feel like. They can practice their deep breathing as they visualize their safe place. After doing this a few times with your help, children are able to do this on their own and as needed.

Children and adults report a feeling of relaxation and calm after doing this exercise for a minute or so. Try going to your safe place today!!