The third and closing part of the standard three-pronged protocol: the client builds a positive image of themselves in a similar future situation and processes it through BLS. This is not a daydream but a concrete scenario: "What happens first? How do you respond? What do you say or do?". The aim is to consolidate in memory an adaptive pattern of behavior that the client can use in real life.
Step-by-step guide
- "Picture that something similar happens in the future. Not the same, but similar"
- "How do you notice the first signal of danger? What do you do?"
- Build an image of the moment of choice / the first adaptive reaction
- PC: "I can cope" or "I have options"
- Measure the SUD of the image (usually low) and the VoC
- Process with BLS until VoC 6–7
When to use
- Closing the work with a specific trauma or phobia
- The client expresses worry: "What if it happens again?"
- Relapse prevention
Key phrases
Picture that something similar may happen in the future. How will you go through it? How do you cope — do you see yourself there?
Follow-up questions
What do you do in the first moment when you notice it?
Do you see yourself coping? What do you see?
Alternative phrasings
Armed with what you know now — how would you have acted then?
Picture yourself a year from now, having gone through a similar situation — how do you feel?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Move to this only after processing the past and the present-day triggers — not as a first step
- ⚠️ If the future image evokes high SUD — there may still be unprocessed present triggers
Source: Shapiro, 2001, 2018
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.