Episode 12: Pacing of an Individual Session
On this episode, we will break down some of the considerations of pacing an individual session with each client.
Considerations of Pacing an Individual Session
Have a conversation at the beginning of individual session to determine if it’s a good day to reprocess.
Review resources ahead of time that you think you’ll need during reprocessing in an individual session.
Window of tolerance – use this to monitor your client’s arousal level during reprocessing.
Restriction of processing – consider containing material that you don’t feel prepared to reprocess right then.
Containment – review their container skill or create it if you haven’t already. You can add things to their container if needed to strengthen it in the midst of reprocessing. You can use things like fences, body guards, guard dogs, padlocks.
When you are uncertain about where you are in the process you can use the reboot question. “When you go back to that original incident, what comes up now?” Consider restricting processing based on time and client readiness.
Strategies for Stuckness
We don’t have to power through if reprocessing isn’t going well. We may need to go to preparation if we are stuck.
Taking breaks – it’s okay to take breaks during reprocessing to help clients stay within the window of tolerance.
Always leave 10 min at the end for wrap up if you can. This helps the client leave in a good state. We want client to leave feeling better than when they came in.