Temporary Containment Visualization

How to use it

1. With your clinician, decide whether temporary containment feels appropriate; choose another option if it does not.
2. Design a container or place, who controls access, and what may or may not go there.
3. Choose a realistic return plan and the support needed before reopening.
4. Finish by orienting to the present room and stop if the exercise becomes activating.

Reflection prompts

• What would make access feel more under your control?
• What support and timing would be needed before returning?

Facilitator guidance

Frame containment as temporary attention management, never deletion, denial, memory removal, or permanent suppression. Assess whether imagery, enclosure, locks, secrecy, or postponement may increase distress or dissociation, and use a different closing strategy when needed.

Adaptations & accessibility

• Use a journal, shelf, schedule, folder, distance marker, or fully non-visual plan.
• Let the participant omit locks, rooms, or any image with unwanted meaning.
• Use a short written return appointment and external orientation cues.

Review considerations

Enhanced licensed trauma-specialist review required before use. Do not use this exercise to avoid safety action, required reporting, care coordination, or clinically necessary follow-up.