The therapist voices the presumed emotional knowledge of the client in the first person — the client checks whether it resonates and corrects it.
Step-by-step guide
- Based on observations and material, formulate a hypothesis about the emotional knowledge
- Voice it in the client's first person: "It sounds like, somewhere inside, you know: if I show the real me…"
- Ask: "Does that sound familiar? Is that what you feel?"
- If it resonates — deepen. If not — adjust: "And how would you say it?"
- Watch the nonverbal reaction: a nod, tears, stillness — markers of a hit
- Use the adjusted wording for further work
When to use
- When the client feels something but cannot name it
- When there is enough material for a hypothesis
Key phrases
I am going to say a sentence in your voice — a guess. You listen and notice whether it lands. If it does not, we change a word until it does. "Somewhere inside, I know: if I show the real me, I will be rejected." — does that fit?
Follow-up questions
Was that too strong, too soft, or close?
What word would you swap?
What happened in your body when you heard it?
If you were the one saying it, what would you say?
Alternative phrasings
If my sentence misses, you correct mid-air — you do not need to wait politely.
Multiple versions are fine — we are converging on something true.
Warnings
- ⚠️ This is a hypothesis, not a diagnosis. If the client does not resonate — do not insist. Adjust or step back.
Source: Ecker & Hulley, 1996
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.