Stress Pattern Mapping

Developed by Dr. Cynthia Yesko, Stress Pattern Mapping (c) is a process that takes place within individual, couple, family, and group counseling sessions. Mapping is an ideal exercise for those who wish to shift unhelpful stress patterns into more updated patterns that make it easier to navigate ordinary stressors and extraordinary challenges.

The map is based on Dr. Yesko’s Nine Steps to the Other Side of Triggered Curriculum (TM) and on her Five Step Theory of Trigger Recognition. The map is informed by the Polyvagal Theory which was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. The mapping process tracks the client’s experience of safety and connection to others as well as the the client’s experience of danger/threat and disconnection from others during triggers and their underlying stressors/traumas.

Clients who create maps in couples, family, or group therapy are invited to share their maps with others in order to build greater connection and support for their healing process. For those who do not wish to share their maps with others, is is recommended that the mapping be done in individual counseling sessions.

Typically, an individual can complete the mapping process in two 90-minute counseling sessions.

For members of a couple, each member typically completes the map in two 90-minute individual counseling sessions and then once the maps are complete, the couple meets together for an additional 90-minute session to review the maps with each other.

Since each family system is unique, the number of counseling sessions needed to complete the Stress Pattern Map varies. Typically, Dr. Yesko meets with each individual in the family for two 90-minute individual counseling sessions to complete the mapping process. When the mapping process is complete for all members, a family counseling session is held in which each member has the option to share their map with the family. Depending on the size of the family, several family counseling sessions may be needed to review each member’s map.

Dr. Yesko often collaborates with other mental health professionals by completing the Stress Pattern Mapping process with their clients. This collaboration can be particularly helpful when a client seems stuck in an old pattern. At the end of the mapping, a joint session is held with client, Dr. Yesko, and the referring provider for the purpose of sharing information from the stress pattern map to help the client move forward in their treatment. Mental health providers who wish to explore this option for their clients/patients should contact Dr. Yesko directly.