The client creates and develops in detail the image of a place where they feel completely safe, protected, and calm. The place can be real (from the past) or fully imagined. A physical anchor is added for quick activation of the state. Used as a resource base for self-soothing between sessions, during triggers, panic attacks, and as preparation for imagery rescripting of trauma.
Step-by-step guide
- Invite the client to choose a place: "Where would you feel completely safe?"
- The client closes their eyes; the therapist guides the detailing through all senses
- Clarify: light, colors, sounds, smell, temperature, textures
- Add the sense of safety: "This place is protected. No one can harm you here"
- Create a physical anchor: a finger touch, a specific breath, or an inner sound
- Practice eyes open / eyes closed with the anchor
- Homework: practice 2–3 minutes daily
When to use
- Early phase of therapy (sessions 1–2) — building safety
- Self-soothing between sessions
- Preparation for imagery rescripting of trauma
- Panic attack, dissociation
- Before difficult life situations
Key phrases
Where would you feel completely safe and calm? Let it be a place where no one can hurt you — real or imagined.
Follow-up questions
What is the light like here? What colors do you see?
What sounds are there? Waves, wind, silence?
How do you feel in this place? Name the feeling.
Find a physical anchor — touch a finger to your palm while you are here.
Alternative phrasings
If you cannot visualize — try hearing: what sound is associated with safety?
This place can be changed as you wish: do you want to add something that makes it even safer?
Warnings
- ⚠️ If the client cannot find anything safe — work with the Healthy Adult, build the resource gradually
- ⚠️ In severe depression the client cannot feel anything positive — do not insist, move to another method
- ⚠️ The safe place is not a substitute for imagery rescripting — it is a resource, not an escape from the problem
Source: Therapeutic imagery tradition; hypnotherapy
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.