The theory behind the mirror
BeReady's questions are grounded in established, clinically careful psychological frameworks. A fixed foundation is always active; other modules switch on based on your situation.
Always-on foundation always on
Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg)
Four moves separate what happened from the story we tell about it: Observations vs. Evaluations, Genuine vs. Faux Feelings, Universal Human Needs, and Positive, Doable Requests. These four moves map directly to BeReady's four question categories.
Empathic Listening (Carl Rogers)
Unconditional positive regard, simple and complex reflection, affirmation of courage, and open-ended questions only — never leading, never yes/no.
Mentalization (Fonagy & Bateman)
A curious, non-certain stance toward mental states — yours and the other person's. Noticing psychic-equivalence, pretend, and teleological modes, and offering marked mirroring.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (Sue Johnson)
Distinguishing primary from secondary emotions, recognizing pursue-withdraw cycles, and the A.R.E. questions: Accessibility, Responsiveness, Engagement.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Aaron Beck)
Gently noticing thinking patterns — mind-reading, catastrophizing, all-or-nothing, overgeneralization, personalization — and inviting more balanced thinking.
Adaptive modules context-gated
The Gottman Method
Activates for change or dispute conversations in established relationships. The Four Horsemen, the soft startup, and repair attempts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Marsha Linehan)
Activates for conflict, change, or persuasion. Interpersonal effectiveness skills: DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST.
If you are in crisis
BeReady is a reflection tool, not a counseling service. If you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, please stop and reach out now. You matter. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in the EU, 101 in Israel), the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (US) or 1201 (ער"ן, Israel), or text HOME to 741741.