Clinical reference only. This content is intended for trained clinicians and does not replace formal EMDR training or supervision. See our family guide.
Lightstream Technique
Phase 2 Resource Development - Somatic Regulation
Page 1 of 2
Client: ________________
Purpose
Lightstream is a guided imagery exercise intended to explore uncomfortable body sensations. ‘Healing light’ is an image used in the exercise, not a claim of physical healing.
T Teenager Script (Ages 13+)
"This is a technique to help reduce uncomfortable feelings or sensations in your body. First, I'd like you to scan your body and notice if there's anywhere you feel tension, discomfort, or unpleasant sensations. Take a moment... Where do you notice it?"
[Wait for response - note the location]
"Now, if that sensation had a shape, what shape would it be?"
"What size is it?"
"What color is it?"
"Does it have a temperature - warm or cold?"
"If it had a texture, what would it be like?"
"Now, I'd like you to imagine a healing light above your head. What color is this light - a color that feels healing, soothing, and positive to you?"
[Wait for their answer]
"Good. Imagine this [color] light beginning to flow down into the top of your head, like a gentle stream. Feel it flowing down through your head... your neck... your shoulders... flowing through your whole body..."
"You can imagine the light moving around that sensation. Notice whether anything changes, without needing it to change."
[Add slow bilateral stimulation throughout]
"You can imagine the light for as long as feels comfortable. Notice how your body feels without needing to change it. You can stop at any time... When you're ready, open your eyes."
Session Documentation
Body Location:
Shape/Size:
Color:
Healing Light Color:
Post-Exercise Sensations:
Lightstream Technique
Phase 2 Resource Development - Somatic Regulation
Page 2 of 2
Date: ________________
C Child-Friendly Script (Ages 6-12)
"Let's do something magical! First, I want you to think about your body. Is there anywhere that feels a little yucky, tight, or uncomfortable? Maybe your tummy, your chest, your head? Take a moment to check..."
[Wait for response]
"If that yucky feeling was a shape, like a cloud or a blob, what would it look like?"
"What color is it?"
"Is it big or little?"
"Now, imagine way up above your head, there's a beautiful, magical light - like sunshine or starlight. What color is your magical light? Pick a color that makes you feel happy and calm!"
[Wait for their answer]
"Perfect! Now imagine that [color] light starting to pour down onto the top of your head, like a gentle waterfall of light. You can imagine it moving down through your head... notice what you experience, if anything."
"The light keeps flowing down through your neck... your shoulders... your arms... all the way down through your whole body like magic..."
"You can imagine the light shining around that feeling. Notice whether its shape or color changes; it is okay if nothing changes."
[Add butterfly hugs throughout]
"You can imagine the [color] light for as long as feels comfortable. Notice how your body feels without needing to change it... When you're ready, you can open your eyes."
Session Notes
Yucky Feeling Location/Shape:
Magic Light Color/Response:
When to Use Lightstream
- - Client reports body tension, pain, or discomfort related to distress
- - During Phase 4-6 when client is stuck with somatic symptoms
- - At session end if residual body sensations remain
- - As standalone resource when processing is contraindicated
- - For clients who respond better to body-focused interventions
Clinical Tips
- - Use slow bilateral stimulation throughout (4-6 slow passes per section)
- - Pace the script to match client's breathing and processing speed
- - If sensation intensifies, pause and check comfort and orientation. Stop or change the exercise with the client; do not assume intensification indicates progress.
- - Client chooses the healing light color - their choice often has meaning
- - Can repeat if needed - check sensation attributes again after first pass
- - Combine with safe place if client becomes distressed