Gently leading to the deep beliefs through mindfulness, tracking, and probes. Core material is the set of beliefs that organize the whole of experience.
Step-by-step guide
- Client is in mindfulness. There is a live bodily signal
- Gently direct attention: "Stay with this sensation. What does it say?"
- Don't hurry. Give 30-60 seconds of silence
- If a word or phrase appears: "How does it sound in full?"
- Check: "Does this sound familiar? Old?"
- When the core belief has been named — stay with it. Do not rush to change it
When to use
- When there is a live bodily signal, emotional charge, a recurring pattern
- Not in the first session — trust and mindfulness skills are needed first
Key phrases
There is something alive in that tightness. Just stay with it. If it had a voice — old, maybe small — what would it say? Let the words arrive, if they arrive. No hurry.
Follow-up questions
How old does this voice feel?
Does it sound like a sentence you have heard before?
Where in the body does it seem to live?
How long has this part been here?
Alternative phrasings
If no words come, the feeling itself is the material — we can stay with it.
If the charge becomes too much, we pause and ground.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not "dig". Let it appear.
- ⚠️ If the client is not ready — respect that. Core material can be very painful. Make sure support is in place.
Source: Kurtz, 1990; Johanson & Kurtz, 1991
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.