Video 052 The Light Stream

Use this solution 

  • Whenever the client becomes upset - during history taking for example, if the client feels disturbed or discomforted. It is usually used at the end of a session so he/she leaves feeling calm.

  • Record this on the client’s phone so they can use it at home.

Originator

Earliest reference is to Shapiro, 2001

Video production

Matthew Davies Media Ltd, Llanidloes, Powys.
www.matthewmedia.com

What this covers

This is about a woman called Ginny who lived alone and whose house was burgled while she was away visiting her children. A number of valuables had been stolen. She came to therapy because she had flashbacks of her house in disorder and worried about her safety.

After she recounted what had happened she became upset. This video demonstrates the use of the Light Stream technique to bring the feelings of upset down to a more comfortable level before she leaves for home.

How long

9.11 minutes

Related Videos

Video 053 (Special application of this process to deal with ‘Fear of Fear’, prior to working with phobias. Being filmed later this year.

Go to ‘Take-away’?

For Aide mémoire to use in client session.


Take-Away Section

+ Aide-mémoire

You can copy and paste this text into a Word document, and can edit it, adding any additional text you might find helpful.

  1. Describe the process, and ask the client what colour they associate with healing/soothing/calming. This will become the colour of the light that will soon flow through their body.
  2. You may ask the client to notice the nature and location of their disturbance. However, from history taking or, if this procedure is used at the end of a session you, the therapist, will already have a good idea of what the client is feeling and what parts of the body are involved. Use this knowledge to direct the healing/soothing/calming light to flow through the entire body focussing particularly on those identified parts/sensations/feelings/thoughts that need attention.
  3. Start by asking the client to imagine the light above their head, and to see it slowly to move down and rest on the top of their head. From there ask them to allow the light to come in and easily and gently fill the entire head, then to allow it to flow through the neck into the shoulders, down the arms and into the fingers to the end of their fingertips. Then allow it to flow into the chest, trunk, buttocks, legs and feet before pooling around the feet. If the client is feeling sensations or any kind of disturbance involving the external parts of the body, allow the light to flow both inside and outside the body.
  4. As this proceeds, use your imagination to describe the light touching and bringing healing/soothing/calmness to the various disturbing thoughts, feelings, sensations and emotions as it makes its way.
  5. Allow the client to rest with their body bathed inside (and outside if appropriate) in the light, with their feet in the pool as long as they are comfortable. When they are relaxed, gently bring them back into the room. Some people tell the client that they will count from five to zero, and ask them to be ‘present’ when the count finishes.