Container Exercise: set distressing material aside safely
The container exercise helps you set aside distressing thoughts until you can return to them safely with your therapist.
Free to try · Responses are private & encrypted
Related tools
What does the Container Exercise Journal cover?
- A container that feels strong and secure to you
- Where it is kept
- What makes it feel completely secure
- Placing a difficult thought, image or worry inside and closing the lid until you return to it with your therapist
Who is this Container Exercise Journal for?
Helpful if you:
😨 Are hit by distressing thoughts or memories at the wrong moments
🧰 Want a way to set things aside safely between sessions
🗓️ Are preparing for trauma-focused work
For therapists:
Assign the Container Exercise during the preparation phase of EMDR or trauma-focused work as a stabilisation resource. Review the client's container in session so it is well established before processing begins. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Korn, D. L., & Leeds, A. M. (2002). EMDR resource development. Journal of Clinical Psychology. NICE (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116).
