A specialized protocol for processing specific phobias on the basis of the three-pronged protocol. A phobia often has an original traumatic event (sometimes early childhood), current trigger scenarios (many — flying, the airport, takeoff), and a desired future image of calm interaction. Each scenario may require separate processing. High avoidance is a sign that work should move from less intense scenarios to more frightening ones.
Step-by-step guide
- PAST: "What is the earliest memory of this fear?" — process the original event
- If no original event is found — move to current triggers
- PRESENT: identify all trigger scenarios (e.g., booking → airport → boarding → takeoff → turbulence)
- Process each scenario as a separate target image, from less to more intense
- FUTURE: build an image of calm interaction with the object of the phobia
- Process the future image with BLS, PC: "I am safe" or "I can cope"
When to use
- Specific phobias: heights, flying, animals, injections, medical procedures
- Phobic avoidance that limits the client's life
Key phrases
What is the earliest time you remember this fear? What happened then?
Follow-up questions
Let us list all the situations that trigger fear — from the easiest to the hardest
We will work gradually — start with the least frightening scenario
Alternative phrasings
If there is no original event — we begin from the earliest memory of the fear
Warnings
- ⚠️ With active panic or dissociation — stabilization first
- ⚠️ With a high SUD on the first scenario — consider the Flash Technique
- ⚠️ Phobias require several sessions — do not force it
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.