Following is a list of some techniques that I often use in workshops and personal sessions. The choice of format is intuitive on my part—based on the content and energy of the situation. In-person, these work best. Some require modification for Zoom workshops.
Role-play - Using physical space, colored fabrics, and a variety of props (including a large collection of teddy bears!), we create a safe metaphor to work through an experience. Role-play unfolds on its own and is unique to each individual.
Voice Dialogue - This is a way to look at two ends of an emotional conundrum. Exaggerating each “voice” and having them speak to each other makes it possible to find a healthier balance.
Clearing - When we have a “charge” about something, or with someone, this process is helpful in releasing negative energy. A role player is chosen to stand in the place of the “other” and the participant works through a four-step Process:
1) Data - what happened? just the facts!
2) Judgments - what is my view on the person or situation?
3) Feelings - what are my emotions surrounding the issue?
4) What I want - what would I have wanted in this situation? (regardless of the possibility of satisfying those wants!)
Virtual “Direct Address” - This is effective in “unloading” difficult messages. The participant speaks directly, using first and second person. The prompt goes like this: “(Person’s name) is here and really wants to hear what you have to say. Tell them one or two good things (one or two only), then speak from your heart. Don’t let them off the hook!”
Splits - In this technique, the participant “splits” segments of a story, parts of their self, etc. and assigns a location and a statement to a number of role players. Traveling to each “station”, and repeating the statements the participant has created, results in a new perspective.
The “One Behind the One” - Most often, a difficult experience in the present has a precursor somewhere earlier on our personal timeline. Safely journeying back into the past to discover a previous time when one experienced a particular emotion or situation sheds light on the present moment.