Therapy is a pattern.

• Awareness becomes self-awareness

• Diagnosis to self-diagnosis

• Training to self-training

• Intervention to self-intervention

• Treatment to self-treatment

Knowing how to find a pattern and show it to the client begins the change process. Change takes place at the client's pace.

Whiteboarding
People respond differently to a diagram of their story than they do to a discussion of it. By creating a sequence of “what happened next” their story becomes specific. Once it is on the board, the person’s perspective about it changes and new awareness is available.

Breathing, Relaxation, Stress Adjustment
Breathing is a biological process. Everyone breathes. Deep breathing is taking control of breathing so that it soothes and relaxes the person in the moment. It is a simple technique that anyone can learn. Practicing it adjusts stress and teaches the difference between stress and relaxation. Breathing can be modified to include imagery and advanced relaxation techniques.

Present Orientation, Situational Awareness
No one can change their future from the past. A change must be made in the present for the future. Recognizing what is happening in the present, seeing it in reality, means a person can make a accurate assessment about what needs to be done now for later. Learning how to assess the situation is a critical skill.

Story Analysis, Pattern Analysis
Every person has stories about their life. Sometimes they are difficult to remember but often they are accessible. When the stories are told, the clinician can capture them on the board in a sequential model that shows the client exactly what happens in the event. Using the EFDRE model, the story explains why actions exist in the present. The analysis isolates a story theme and reframes the person’s interpretation of the event.