Instructions #

When it comes to processing and holding a large amount of information at the same time, our conscious minds have limitations. This inherent limitation frequently causes us to misinterpret traumatic events.

When we think about these events over and over, they become magnified, embellished, and elongated in our minds. We tend to give these events more significance, duration, and impact than they actually had.

We gain a more accurate perspective by taking a step back and examining our lives from a broader perspective, such as viewing a timeline spanning 30 years in terms of weeks. This bird’s-eye view reveals that traumatic or depressive events do not define our lives entirely.

In fact, when we look at the timeline objectively, we see that our lives are full of both satisfying and positive moments. Using this concept in a session with a client as a therapist can be extremely beneficial.

By assisting the client in gaining this broader perspective, they can begin to question the exaggerated narratives they have created around traumatic events. This shift in perspective can provide relief, empowerment, and resilience.

It enables the client to recognize the wealth of positive experiences they have had throughout their lives and fosters a more balanced perspective of their overall journey.

Encouraging clients to interact with their personal timelines can provide them with a tangible visual representation of the ups and downs of their lives.

This method assists in reframing their perception of past events, reducing the overwhelming impact of traumatic memories, and fostering a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

Clients can develop a more constructive and optimistic outlook on their life’s trajectory by recognizing the predominance of satisfying moments and the resiliency they have demonstrated in navigating challenges.

Worksheet #

Source #

Access the full suite of 500 therapy and coaching templates. This worksheet features in my book, available on Amazon:

500 Practical NLP Forms, Templates & Worksheets: For Therapy, Coaching & Training