Container Imagery Practice
A stabilization worksheet guiding clients to build a secure imagined container for distressing material, with steps, distress ratings and a plan for keeping it safe.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Resourcing · Stabilization
- Approach / concern
- Trauma & PTSD
- Technique
- Resourcing · Stabilization
- 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 Container Imagery Practice?
Container imagery is a resourcing technique in which a person imagines a strong container to temporarily hold distressing thoughts, images or feelings. It is commonly taught in the preparation phase of EMDR and in other stabilization-focused trauma approaches.
Why it works
Containment techniques help clients regulate between sessions and end sessions in a stable state, supporting the phase-oriented approach to trauma treatment (Shapiro, 2018). Stabilization skills are foundational before trauma processing (Najavits, 2002).
When to use it
- Trauma therapy preparation phase
- Ending sessions with unprocessed material
- Intrusive memories between sessions
- Clients who respond to imagery
How to use it in session
- Explain the purpose: temporary, not suppression.
- Guide the client to design a container.
- Practise placing material inside and securing it.
- Rate distress before and after.
- Use at session ends and between sessions.
Clinician tips
- Emphasize choice and the ability to reopen it.
- If imagery doesn’t suit the client, use grounding instead.
- Not a substitute for processing trauma.
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
Isn’t this just avoiding my feelings?
No. It’s a temporary tool to help you choose when and where to work with difficult material, rather than suppressing it indefinitely.
Can I use this without a therapist?
Many people use it between sessions. It’s most effective as part of trauma-informed therapy.
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Najavits, L. M. (2002). Seeking safety: A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse. 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.
