Fig. 1.

Mirroring as a mechanism of change in exposure therapy. Note: A—Patient recalls a painful memory accompanied with intense emotional pain expressed in his facial expressions. B—Therapist experiences viscerally the pain of the patient which is expressed in his face thus reassuring the patient and creating a “we-ness” feeling. C—Therapist activates emotional and cognitive regulation processes which moderate his emotional response. The moderated response is expressed in his facial expression. D—Modulated emotional responses are mirrored back by the patient who experiences his painful emotions in a modulated manner.