Worksheet
EMDR Tool: Calm Safe Place
The Calm Safe Place Worksheet is a foundational EMDR resource designed to help clients access a calming, grounding internal state. Through guided visualization and gentle bilateral stimulation, this exercise teaches users how to shift from distress into a sense of safety, peace, or protection. It is one of the core tools used in EMDR Phase 2 preparation to support emotional stability during trauma work.
How to Use This Worksheet
Start by settling the body and noticing any areas that already feel relaxed or at ease. Follow the guided steps to visualize a calm or safe place—real or imagined—and deepen sensory details such as sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Add bilateral stimulation to strengthen the emotional connection to this place, then pair it with a positive statement to reinforce a sense of safety and grounding.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is designed for clients preparing for EMDR therapy, individuals experiencing stress or anxiety, and anyone who benefits from grounding, visualization, or emotional regulation strategies. It is suitable for use before, during, or between EMDR sessions.
Expected Outcomes
• Stronger ability to access a calm or grounded emotional state
• Increased stability before and after EMDR processing
• Reduced stress and improved nervous system regulation
• A reliable internal resource for moments of overwhelm
• Enhanced sense of safety through paired imagery and bilateral stimulation
Related Topics
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Tool: Calm Safe Place Resources
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