Just like the words, these sentences will need repeating out loud. They need to be spoken aloud so it is important this is done with another person. Whoever is helping should stay with the sentence and NOT add comments or adlib. The sentences will have a blank space to fill in. In the blanks, insert distressing words from the previous step. Each sentence will need to be practiced with several words. Some examples are included but use the words from step 1 that were triggering, especially the hardest ones. However, you can start with less challenging words.
Clinicians, the sentences can be adapted or new ones created to include situations or experiences that are triggering for your client. I recommend asking permission before each step and certainly if I tailor the sentence to make it more triggering. At this stage, it is best not to have any surprises. The first sentence is about a cat. The next is about a baby and then young kids, teens, and adults. The situations will also vary. If your client is ready, you can ask if the sentence reminds them of something. That will increase the strength of the exposure.
Sentence Hierarchy title
Sentences
Sentence directions
What to expect
Sentences will start with a blank ____ where the challenging words will go. We’ll include some examples but you should practice any challenging words. Remember, repeat, repeat, repeat
Sentence one title
Sentence One
Here is a hint who might be involved
Cat blank
The cat ______ on the carpet
Cat hurl
The cat hurled on the carpet
Cat barf
The cat barfed on the carpet
The next slide is several trigger words rotating to help you insert challenging words.
scrolling words
Use these to fill in the blanks
Sentence two title
Sentence Two
About a baby
Baby blank
The baby ______ on the blanket
Extra points for alliteration (same sound).
Ex. The Big Baby Blanked on the Blue and Brown Blanket. Ha!
Baby spit up
The baby spit up on the blanket
Baby threw up
The baby threw up on the blanket
Baby blank again
The baby _______ on the blanket
Remember to use any and all the triggering words for each part of this step.
Kid raced title
Sentence Three
About a kid
Kid raced blank
The young kid raced to the bathroom/loo and ______ in the toilet
Loo is what someone in England might say. It is from the French word for water.
Kid raced puked
The young kid raced to the bathroom/loo and puked in the toilet
Kid raced vomited
The young kid raced to the bathroom/loo and vomited in the toilet
Kid bed title
Sentence Four
Another Kid
Kid bed blank
The kid _______ all over the bed
Kid bed blew chunks
The kid blew chunks all over the bed
Kid bed talked to ralph
The kid talked to ralph about a buick all over the bed
still doesn’t make sense….
scrolling words 2
Person bowl title
Sentence Five
Could be anybody
Person bowl blank
The person leaned over and _______ into the bowl
Person car title
Sentence Six
Could be anybody
Person car blank
The person ______ in the car. It Smells.
First person title
Sentences Seven+
The following sentences will be in first person. for example, it might be “i am going to _____ my head” (fill in with scratch)
What if I blank
what if I _________?
Nauseated will I blank
If I feel nauseated will I _______?
scrolling words 2
what if anxious blank
What if I get anxious and I _______?
Future
In the future, it is possible I will ________
Here are printable documents of the sentences in both docx and pdf formats
