Building a joint plan for the return of the pattern: warning signs, agreements, plan of action. Normalization: the pattern will return — and that is normal.
Step-by-step guide
- Discuss: "Your pattern has not gone away. It will return. The question is — what will you do then"
- Identify the warning signs: "By what signals will you know that the trap has launched again?"
- Build a plan: "When we notice the pattern — we: stop, name it, take a pause"
- Agree on a "stop word" or ritual that means "we are in the trap, let us stop"
- Discuss: when is it worth coming back for a booster session? What signals will say it is time?
- Write the plan down — each one gets a copy
When to use
- In the last 2–3 sessions of therapy
- Before closing
Key phrases
Your pattern has not gone away. It will return. The question is — what will you do then.
Follow-up questions
By what signals will you know that the trap has launched again?
When we notice the pattern — we: stop, name it, take a pause.
When is it worth coming back for a booster session?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Normalize: the return of the pattern is not a failure. It is part of life
- ⚠️ The difference — now they know what to do
Source: Jacobson, N. & Christensen, A. (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.