Try imagery or a nonvisual alternative · S6.8

Picture an ordinary supportive moment

You would like a brief reminder of what a supportive response could sound like.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Choose an ordinary, non-distressing situation such as learning a new task; there is no need to revisit a painful memory.
2. Imagine, write, or describe a supportive person saying one accurate and kind sentence about that situation.
3. Keep a sentence you find useful, or stop and return attention to the room if the exercise is uncomfortable.

An example

A supportive teacher might say, 'You are learning; let's look at the step that was unclear.'

Reflect

Did words, an image, or neither feel useful?

Next time

Use the sentence for an everyday challenge if you want; no visualization practice is required.