13. Breaking Down Enactments

Breaking Down Enactments 

The focus of this episode is to help...

• Participants learn how to utilize enactments in counseling.
• Identify the critical points in using enactments as an experiential tool in counseling.
• Participants will be able to evaluate their own clinical use of this intervention.

Pre-Enactment

• Is it organized and alive in the client?
• Assess their experience of reaching/sharing.
• Bring the therapist fully into the moment.
• Load it with clear simple language that conveys the attachment-related emotions, longings, vulnerability.

During Enactment

• Be ready for blocks.
  • CPR
  • Catch it
  • Permission for protection/hesitance
  • Return to enactment
    • Reset it
    • You may have to slice it thinner.
    • Do it!

After the Enactment

• Read the traffic lights. (partner's ability to respond)
  • Red: Stop-Something completely blocking the partner from being able to respond
  • Yellow: Caution-There is a slight bit of mistrust or confusion. May not be able to respond fully.
  • Green: Go for Bonding Moment-They see it, feel it, and want to bring comfort to it.
• Check for a shift in body markers.