Ecology Check:
Imagine we were successful with the intervention. What would happen then? Are there any negative consequences if you are freed from your stress reaction?

Step 1:
Now think of a situation in which you reacted with great stress or fear. Bring it to mind in such a way that you have at least a moderate reaction. (This is simply a small check to see whether the situation truly affects the coachee.)

Step 2:
Now step back out of that state (Separator).

Step 3:
Set up the cinema metaphor: Imagine we are in a movie theater watching a black-and-white film of this situation, with a double of yourself onscreen. Tell me: What is happening in this film? (The black-and-white film and the double intensify the dissociation.)

Step 4:
Person A describes the inner film and how their double gradually approaches the critical situation and experiences the event that triggers the stress.

Step 5:
At the most intense moment, pause the film—just like pausing a video and seeing a freeze-frame. Now move into the film (associate). You are now in the situation, seeing the film through your own eyes, noticing everything in that situation. Bring color into the image and then let the film play backwards until you are safe again.

Step 6:
Now open your eyes as a brief separator.

Step 7:
Repeat this sequence several times (7–12 times).

Step 8:
Test if you can still produce a stress reaction by recalling the scenario from Step 1. If yes, go through the format again. If no, test the result in real life when the opportunity arises.