[Maham Tariq]

Therapist: I’d like to take some time to discuss an activity that helps you relax and calm your mind, something that brings you a sense of focus and clarity.
Client: yes, I can tell that in my leisure time the most I enjoy doing is doodling and it also makes me relax.
Therapist: Can you think of a time when you enjoyed doodling or drawing, and it helped you feel more centred and calmer?
Client: yes, in past week when I was in the social gathering as I necessarily had to attend it, my social anxiety provoked. When I came home, the first thing I did to feel relaxed is i took my book and started doodling it made me feel less anxious and relaxed.
Therapist: Great! Today, we’re going to use this activity to feel the state of trance which is a state of mind where you will feel yourself in deep relaxation. The trance will help you quiet your racing thoughts and feel more focused. As we go through this process, you’ll find that focusing on a calming activity can naturally help you feel more grounded and in control.
I’d like you to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths… Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, just allow your body to begin to relax… Now, imagine yourself sitting in a peaceful and calm place somewhere where you will feel yourself more connected to your inner self, something around nature. Imagining a peaceful garden where you are sitting under a shady tree no one is around and you can feel the breeze passing through your hairs, touching your face taking all the worries of your head as it flows. In the front side you have a small pond, so the air is cold and more relaxing some of the tree’s leaves are touching your skin of arms. You’re sitting beside this tree and holding a pen or pencil, and a piece of paper in your hand. Picture the feel of the pen your favourite colour pen you are holding in your hand when you start gliding the pen across the paper you feel calm and relax. The longer you take the stroke it makes you feel more and more relaxed and more and more stress free. You may feel that with that ink that is spreading on the paper as you are moving that pen all the worries of your life is coming out of your body and going onto that paper. Imagine yourself creating beautiful patterns that fulfils your imagination.
Notice the colours, the textures, and the way the lines flow… How does it feel to be fully engaged in this activity, letting go of any worries or distractions?
As you continue to doodle, notice how your mind begins to quiet, and your thoughts become clearer… With each stroke of the pen, you’re letting go of any tension or anxiety, and allowing yourself to fully focus on the present moment… You’re in control, and your creativity is flowing freely… Allow yourself to fully immerse in this experience and let go of any self-criticism or doubts.
And as you enjoy this state of calm focus, know that you can return to this feeling whenever you need to quiet your racing thoughts and feel more centred. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can simply take a few deep breaths, and imagine yourself doodling, letting the calm and clarity wash over you.
Now, in a moment, I’ll begin to count from 1 to 5, and with each number, you’ll start to feel more awake, bringing with you all the calm and focus you’ve just experienced. One… starting to become aware of the room around you… Two… feeling more awake, bringing with you a sense of clarity… Three… beginning to stretch and move, feeling refreshed… Four… more and more awake, taking a deep breath in… and five… eyes open, fully awake, feeling alert and focused.
Post trance questions: How was that for you? Were you able to clearly imagine yourself doodling and feeling more focused?
Client: I felt very relaxed during the trance.
It’s great to hear you felt calmer and more centred. Remember, the feelings you accessed during that experience are always available to you whenever you need them.

[Fatima Asim]

A very well written script, Maham. I really enjoyed reading it, especially the details.

[Author]

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