About this worksheet
The Light Stream technique is a guided imagery and body-focused closure exercise from Shapiro's EMDR protocol, used at the end of a session when residual disturbance remains and there isn't time to complete processing. The client locates the leftover disturbance in the body, describes it as an object — shape, size, colour, temperature, texture, sound — and then chooses a healing colour. The clinician guides an imagined stream of that colour entering through the top of the head, flowing into and around the object, and continuing until the sensation shifts, dissolves, or settles. It is a closure and containment intervention rather than a processing one: the aim is to leave the client regulated and able to drive home, not to complete an incomplete target. Shapiro's original script includes the specific sensory questions in a fixed order, and the order matters — objectifying the sensation before introducing the colour is what creates the distance the exercise depends on. The technique also works outside EMDR, in any body-oriented modality, as a between-session self-regulation skill once the client has run it successfully with you. Two cautions: clients with strong visual-imagery difficulty often do better with the Container exercise, and clients who dissociate under eyes-closed imagery should keep eyes open and stay verbal throughout.
When to use it
- End of an incomplete EMDR session where SUDS is still above 0.
- Closure when the body scan isn't clear and there's no time to continue.
- Any session that opened somatic charge you need to settle before the client leaves.
- As a taught self-regulation skill for between sessions, once it has worked in the room.
- Prefer the Container exercise for clients with weak visual imagery or eyes-closed dissociation.
How to use it
- 1
Locate the residual disturbance in the body
'Where do you notice what's left?' Concentrate attention there before describing anything.
- 2
Objectify the sensation
Shape, size, colour, temperature, texture, sound. Run the full list — this is what creates observing distance.
- 3
Ask which colour would be healing
The client's choice, always. Don't suggest one, and accept an unexpected answer without comment.
- 4
Guide the stream in
Slow, warm pacing: the colour enters through the top of the head, moves toward the area, flows into and around the object.
- 5
Continue until it shifts
Let the stream keep flowing and resonating. Ask for updates; don't rush a change or narrate one that hasn't happened.
- 6
Close and re-orient
Finish with the stream filling the whole body, then bring the client back to the room — feet, chair, sounds, eyes open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Light Stream technique in EMDR?+
A guided imagery closure exercise where the client objectifies residual body disturbance — shape, colour, temperature, texture — then imagines a healing colour of light streaming in through the top of the head and flowing into it until the sensation shifts. It's used to settle a client at the end of an incomplete session.
When do you use Light Stream instead of the Container?+
Light Stream suits residual somatic charge you want to soften and disperse. The Container suits unprocessed material you want deliberately set aside intact until next session. Container is also the safer choice for clients with poor visual imagery.
Is Light Stream part of the standard EMDR protocol?+
Yes — it appears in Shapiro's EMDR protocol as a closure option for incomplete sessions, alongside containment imagery and safe/calm place. It is taught in EMDRIA-approved basic training.
Can clients use it on their own between sessions?+
Once they've completed it successfully with you, yes — it's a good self-regulation skill. Don't send it as a first exposure to imagery work, and don't send it to clients who dissociate with eyes closed.
What if the sensation doesn't change?+
Don't push. Acknowledge it plainly, switch to the Container, then a grounding or orienting exercise, and note the target as incomplete for next session. A closure exercise that fails is information about resourcing, not a failure of the session.
Is this script free?+
Yes — the full script and worksheet are a free printable PDF. Sign in to TherapistAssist to send it as a secure client link.
Worksheet — Light Stream Technique — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
