Visualizing Safety: A Method to Contain Unwanted Emotions

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

Hey friend,

I caught a few glimpses of hope the other day. It was while I went to see Dr. M. I’m not convinced that there’s a way to explain things adequately, but I will try because it might be helpful for you also. She used a gas and pedal technique. She saw me emotionally stepping on the gas, and before I could completely float away, she anchored me. She called me back, helping me to step on the brakes, and asked me to take in the room and feel the shirt I was wearing and the ground underneath my feet. I noticed the Hello Kitty lunch bag on her desk and the sound of the ticking metal clock in her office.

It felt like home because I have one at home, and it sounds exactly the same. Then, I took a second and ran my fingers on the velvet couch beneath me to continue to ground myself to her office. When and if this happens to you, it might be helpful for you to do the same. Hit the brakes and take in your surroundings, just as she did with me. At the end of our session, we walked through a containment exercise. And maybe there is something for you here as well. We literally contained the past. So, with her guidance, I closed my eyes and imagined containing the past in a beautiful container to be revisited next week. If you are familiar with the intrusive and unwanted flashbacks of the past, this might be helpful for you, too.

I will tell her next week, but I have actually changed the location of my container. I have since moved it into a large metal file cabinet located in her office, and I visualized giving her the key. So, every time an unwanted emotion, thought, or image comes crashing in like Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball, I am quick to shut it down by visualizing myself handing the file over to Dr. M for safekeeping until next week. I have since started to whisper to myself that she can handle the pain, and I remind myself that it’s safe and that she will watch over it until I see her again.

I’m happy to report that, as a result, my body started to relax, and I was able to stretch deeper in Pilates than ever before. Is there somewhere safe where you can contain your past, just until you find someone who can help you sort through it? I pray there is. There’s hope on the other side, friend.

I love you, and I’m praying for you today.

Your friend,
iK