Drawing interventions to create more emotional safety

Contributions from Mary Brownlow and Irena Stenner 
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IDT says that there are no resistant clients, just a need for self-protection. If you are working with a client who doesn’t feel safe enough,  you can use a simple intervention to build more safety ((emotional safety).  We can use the metaphor of a “safe space” to build an experience of safety in the client. This can also be a very good intervention for a first session with a new client. 

The metaphor is an expression of an inner state. As the client works on the safe space on the page, their inner world experiences an increased sense of safety and comfort and they have a literal experience of more safety. Make sure the client adds themselves to the drawing once the safe space is on the page. Then work with feelings and “work around the triangle” a few times adding words, image and feelings to the page. 
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Here are the drawing cues for the counsellor:

• Draw a safe space
• Add more detail (what else is around this safe space...)
• Put yourself in the drawing
• Add feelings and words (what it is like to be there)
• Move around the IDT WIB triangle and deepen

Contact Irena if you are interested in attending the IDT & Trauma workshop in Wellington (August)