Calm Place Imagery Practice
A resourcing worksheet that guides clients to build a detailed, multi-sensory calm place, link it to a cue word, and rate calm before and after practice.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Resourcing · Imagery
- Approach / concern
- Trauma & PTSD
- Technique
- Resourcing · Imagery
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Calm Place Imagery Practice?
Calm (or safe) place imagery is a resourcing technique used in many therapies, including trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR, where it is commonly introduced in the preparation phase. Clients construct a detailed sensory image of a calming place and pair it with a cue word to access calm when needed.
Why it works
Mental imagery has strong links with emotion and can be used to evoke positive emotional states (Holmes & Mathews, 2010). Calm-place exercises are commonly used to build emotional regulation resources before trauma processing (Shapiro, 2018).
When to use it
- Anxiety and stress
- Preparation phase in trauma therapy
- Sleep onset difficulties
- Children and adults who enjoy imagery
How to use it in session
- Invite the client to choose a place, real or imagined.
- Build sensory details slowly together.
- Notice body sensations of calm and choose a cue word.
- Practise briefly in session and check for intrusions.
- Assign daily practice when calm.
Clinician tips
- Offer alternatives like ‘calm’ or ‘comfortable’ if ‘safe’ feels unreachable.
- Imagined places work well if real places carry mixed memories.
- If imagery doesn’t suit the client, try grounding or breathwork instead.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if negative images intrude?
That can happen, especially with trauma. Change or adjust the scene, add protection, or choose a different resource. Discuss it with your therapist.
Is this the same as EMDR?
No. Calm place imagery is one preparation tool used in EMDR and other therapies, but it is not EMDR itself.
References
Holmes, E. A., & Mathews, A. (2010). Mental imagery in emotion and emotional disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(3), 349-362.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
