1. Identify
Identify something that can hold things, such as a box, or any other container.
2. Choose
What are some memories, thoughts, or uncomfortable sensations that you would like to put inside the container?
3. Imagine
Imagine that you can put inside of this container what you choose in step 2.
4. Emotions and Sensations
What do you feel in your body when you leave things in the container?
5. Cue Word
Name your container something that is easy to remember. Keep your container close either in your mind, or physically in your pocket or night stand.
6. Encourage
Think about this container often and leave things there that you do not want to carry with you.
Additional Ideas:
Instead of drawing, the child can paint, do a collage, or find images online. You can do this activity with a group. Each member can take turns identifying their container and presenting it to the group. You can plan a game with all of the children to show their containers. They can also take sticky note and write/draw the things that they want to leave inside their container.
Containment
Draw a box/file cabinet/trash can or any other container where you can put any uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, images, or memories.
Additional ideas: You can also choose a worry doll or a dream catcher as your container.
Containment
1. Choose a container from the images below.
2. Choose uncomfortable memories, thoughts, body sensations that you want to leave in this container.
3. Take some deep breaths while putting things inside your container. You can imagine doing so or you can write/draw the uncomfortable things on a piece of paper and put the paper inside the container.
4. Make some “Fun Movement” for 20 seconds after you leave things there.
5. Enjoy taking a break from those uncomfortable things.
6. Remember that you can use your container at any time.
Additional ideas: You can also choose a worry doll or a dream catcher as your container.
Date
November 14, 2021
Creator(s)
EMDR International Association
Client Population
Children
Practice & Methods
Resourcing
Extent
3 pages
Publisher
EMDR International Association
Rights
Copyright © 2021 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
EMDR International Association. (2021, November 14). Containment (EMDRIA children's toolkit) [Client Handout].
Audience
EMDR Therapists, General/Public
Language
English
Content Type
Client Handout
Original Source
EMDRIA Children's Toolkit
Access Type
Members Only