Worksheet
EMDR Tool: Nurturing and Protective Figures
The Nurturing and Protective Figures Worksheet is an EMDR resourcing tool designed to help clients connect with real or imagined sources of comfort, protection, and support. This exercise strengthens internal safety, promotes emotional grounding, and helps clients develop a stable internal support system that can be accessed during EMDR therapy or in everyday life.
How to Use This Worksheet
Begin by settling the body and inviting a nurturing, protective, or competent figure into awareness. This may be a real person, a beloved pet, a spiritual or ancestral presence, or a fictional character that embodies support. Using visualization and gentle bilateral stimulation, clients deepen their connection to the figure and anchor the felt sense of comfort, safety, or strength. The exercise ends with reflection and grounding.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is ideal for EMDR clients building internal resources for stability, individuals experiencing anxiety or emotional overwhelm, and anyone who benefits from grounding imagery. It is especially relevant during EMDR Phase 2 (Preparation) and as a between-session tool for ongoing emotional regulation and support.
Expected Outcomes
• Increased sense of internal support, comfort, and emotional safety
• Strengthened ability to access calming imagery during moments of distress
• Improved grounding and regulation between EMDR sessions
• A personalized internal resource that can be activated at any time
• Enhanced emotional resilience when processing difficult memories
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.
Parnell, L. (2008). Tapping In: A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Your Healing Resources Through Bilateral Stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Tool: Nurturing and Protective Figures Resources
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