A process of identifying and strengthening positive images, thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations connected to the client's inner resources — capacities, strengths, supportive memories. The client recalls a moment when they felt competent, safe, or strong, and anchors the image and the bodily feel of that state. The therapist applies bilateral stimulation, increasing the resource's accessibility in memory: after the work, the resource is easier to summon in stressful situations.
Step-by-step guide
- Ask: "Recall a moment when you felt able to cope / safe / strong"
- Have the client describe the image: what they see, hear, sense in the body
- Pick an anchor word or short phrase tied to that state
- Have the client hold the image and the anchor word in mind
- Apply a short set of BLS (6–8 movements or taps)
- Ask: "What is happening now?" — if the resource grows, continue with another 1–2 sets
- Lock in the anchor: "This is your resource. You can call it up anytime with this word"
When to use
- The Preparation phase (Phase 2) before trauma reprocessing
- A client with complex trauma who needs stabilization
- Dissociative clients before reprocessing
- Strengthening self-efficacy before heavy trauma work
- A client with a resource deficit (does not see their own strengths)
Key phrases
Recall a moment when you felt safe or able to cope. What did you see? What did you feel? Where in the body do you feel it?
Follow-up questions
Now hold this image in mind — we will start bilateral stimulation to strengthen this state
What is happening now, as you hold this image?
What word best describes this feeling?
Alternative phrasings
Is there a person or place that you associate with the feeling of safety?
Recall a time when you handled something hard — what helped you then?
Warnings
- ⚠️ With high dissociation — grounding techniques first, RDI only after stabilization
- ⚠️ In an active psychotic state — pharmacological preparation takes priority
- ⚠️ If the client cannot find a single resourceful memory — start from an imagined "ideal" state
Source: Shapiro, 2001, 2018; Fisher, 2007
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.