Tell the Story' Technique for Managing Relapse Memories

“Tell the Story” Technique to Desensitize Memories of Relapses

The “Tell the Story” technique is an acupressure desensitization tool designed to process and neutralize specific memories linked to relapse episodes in sex and pornography addiction.

To ensure that stimulation of the neurological points effectively reduces the urge or distress response, it is essential to focus attention on a specific event rather than abstract concepts.

The protocol begins by assigning a clear title to the mental representation of the episode to be addressed. Next, the individual assesses the degree of distress or discomfort that this title elicits, using a subjective distress scale ranging from one to ten.

Based on this measurement, a preparatory phrase is constructed that combines the assigned title with a statement of personal acceptance. While stimulating the point on the edge of the hand, this phrase is repeated three times.

Next, a complete round of stimulation is performed on the facial and body points while reciting the phrase that recalls the title, repeating the procedure sequentially until the level of distress associated with the event’s title drops completely to zero.

Identifying Emotional Peaks and Applying Acupressure

Once the disturbance linked to the title has been neutralized, a completely neutral moment in the memory is identified—a time before the relapse triggers began.

From that starting point, the patient mentally replays the story as if it were a movie. At the exact moment they experience an increase in emotional intensity or an uncomfortable sensation, they must immediately pause the mental narrative.

At that pause, the level of distress is rated on a scale of one to ten, and a short phrase tailored to that segment of the memory is formulated.

Immediately afterward, a round of stimulation is performed on the acupressure points while maintaining focus on the paused scene, repeating the round until the distress level decreases completely to zero.

Verification and Complete Neutralization of the Memory

Once the problematic scene has been neutralized, the narrative rewinds back to the initial neutral starting point to resume the entire process.

If any other disturbance arises during the progression, the sequence is paused again to assess the intensity and perform the corresponding acupressure desensitization.

The exercise continues iteratively until the patient is able to mentally replay the entire relapse event without experiencing any interruptions or peaks of emotional distress.