The selection of one specific moment of the trauma — not a generalization and not the whole story, but a specific "frame" that haunts the client most. The image must be vivid, accessible to recall, and specific enough to focus on. This image becomes the entry point for all subsequent reprocessing: NC, PC, SUD, VoC, and bodily sensation are tied to it.
Step-by-step guide
- "Recall the event that we will work on"
- "Out of the whole situation — which one moment or image is the most painful / the one that haunts you?"
- Have the client describe the image concretely: what they see, hear, where they are
- Check specificity: not "scary in general", but a concrete moment — a frame
- Lock in the image as the entry point for Phases 3–5
When to use
- The Assessment phase (Phase 3) before each cycle of reprocessing
- Choosing the primary target at the start of work
- When several competing memories are present — one needs to be chosen
Key phrases
Out of the whole situation — which one specific moment is the most frightening or the one that haunts you most often? What did you see at that moment?
Follow-up questions
Describe what you see in this image
If it were a frame from a film — what would it show?
Does it feel like a specific moment, or a general feeling?
Alternative phrasings
Which moment of this event do you most want to forget?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this event?
Warnings
- ⚠️ The image must be specific, not generalized — that is the key to effective reprocessing
- ⚠️ If the client names several images — pick the one most charged emotionally
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.