Step I. Ask the child:

When you remember an old unpleasant event, what picture comes to your mind?
When you think about the scariest moment of the event, what do you think about yourself?

Step II. The Beginning of the Story.

Once upon a time, there was…
His name was…
He did everything that everyone else did:
first, he…
then…,
and then…
and then…

Start with a positive situation “Everything was fine…” to create a sense of security for the child.
Choose the main character: Should it be a fictional or real character?
Identification. The main character should have similar traits to the child, but to allow the child to distance themselves from the character, the name should be different.
Discuss and visualize in detail: What does the character see, hear, feel? What smells does he notice, what tastes (favorite treats), bodily sensations (what does he feel in his stomach, in his head…)?
If the situation is too overwhelming, the story can be told in several versions with different emotional intensities: initially, the character could be something like a sunflower; after a few days, the same story can be told, bringing the character closer, choosing a person as the protagonist.

Step III. Something Happens

The overwhelming situation

the worst image,
the hardest episode,
a burdening thought
(“I…”);
a description of the unpleasant feeling
(“Unfortunately, this can happen to a child/animal…”)

Once upon a time…
Suddenly…

Step IV. What Does the Hero Do

And so…

Ask the child:

What thought came to your mind?

Step V. Something Goes Wrong

However…

Step VI. Then…

Our hero tries to solve the problem.
(Actively doing something, becoming stronger every day, asking someone for help…)

ways to solve it,
an exit,
active child participation,
a positive feeling,
a good thought that helps reduce the burden
(“I…”)

Step VII. The End of the Story

In the end… (everything is resolved, or maybe not, but the hero has become stronger and gained experience).
New positive state. Strengthening the sense of safety and good mood.