What is it?
The Wave tool helps patients grasp the concept of mindful awareness. It involves noticing one’s mental state, whatever it may be, experiencing it without judging it. The experience of having one’s modes triggered is like the image on the right side: an enormous wave crashing down on you. In contrast, the image on the left side helps patients take a more mindful perspective on their modes: rising above them, as it were, and taking the aeriel view. Looking down from above, it is obvious that modes are repeating patterns. They are triggered over and over again, like waves rolling towards the shore, representing longstanding themes in one’s life, like feeling abused or abandoned. This product is not sold separately, it’s only sold together with the Healthy Adult Boat Tool.
How does it work?
Begin with the image on the right. ‘When modes are triggered, it is as if the waves are crashing our heads. At that moment, we are flooded with painful thoughts and emotions, and feel helpless to do anything about them.’ Then show the image on the left, the aeriel view. ‘From high above, what do you see? An endless series of waves, one after another. These are your modes being triggered, again and again. Each time it happens, you are so caught up in the moment, that you don’t realize that this is a pattern. Now imagine giving some mindful attention to your experience. Noticing your reactions, letting them be, accepting them, although they are painful. Just imagining yourself flying high above the waves, looking down on them from a distance. The moment that you start to give awareness to your reactions, you gain perspective on them, and begin to soften them.’
Who can use it?
You can integrate the iModes tools into practically any form of therapy or therapeutic intervention, and use them with almost any type of client. The iModes tools are so self-explanatory that many therapists can begin using them immediately. Get the most out of all the iModes tools with Dr. David Bernstein’s new ebook, “Building Strengths in Therapy: The Comprehensive Guide to the Complete iModes System.” The book provides enough theoretical background so that you can understand the concepts behind the tools, even if you have no previous experience with them. This is followed by practical guidance about how to use each of the tools, including explanations of many techniques. This 84-page book also includes many case examples, based on real cases, illustrating the use of the tools, accompanied by 15 fully colored illustrations showing how the tools are used.