Common Cognitive Interweaves I Use

Cognitive Interweaves (CI) create a shift in perspective, allowing for spontaneous AIP and allows clients to respond SPONTANEOUSLY without thinking through an answer. It is used when REPROCESSING is stopped, or client is EXPERIENCING intense emotional (somatic/abreaction) processing, or when the client lacks ability for cognitive creativity.

-Article Cognitive Interweave E. C Hurley D

As you might already know, there are various forms of cognitive interweaves that target a client’s specific need, in my work with complex trauma, I often tailor my interweaves to better support attachment needs and integration of the Self. Keep in mind that it is always best to use the client’s language.

Attachment-Informed CI:

Responsibility: “Does it still make sense to keep (blaming) the child for what happened? Notice that”

“Imagine seeing another child, not you going through that, notice if anything changes inside? Go with that”

Somatic-Informed CI:

Attunement to feelings: “If you had a feeling about that, what would it be? Notice that”

“Not feeling anything is something, notice that”

Stuck, Looping CI:

“What or who is keeping you from moving forward, go with that”

“Could (identify resource) help you at this time? notice that”

“Notice if it’s connected to the original memory or if it’s something else” “If it’s something else, use the container and return to the original memory, go with that”

Working with Defenses/protective mechanisms CI:

1.“When did you first notice (avoidance, specific bx, specific emotion, specific part), how old? go with that”

2.“If you could imagine that this part of your brain has been trying to help you for ___ years, would this change your how you (feel) towards it? notice that”

“What might (avoidance,___) be defending or protecting? go with that”