What Techniques Help Patients Deal With Trauma?

Utilize Grounding Techniques

Written by Andrew Tessmer, M.Ed, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, QTAP

Contribution for What Techniques Help Patients Deal with Trauma by Psychologist Brief

One of the key techniques that I like to use with clients who have experienced trauma is first to help them with emotional and nervous system regulation through grounding techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation. Since trauma can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to a constant state of 'fight or flight' in clients, progressive muscle relaxation can be a technique that helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation, helping to counteract the physiological arousal associated with trauma. By focusing first on techniques like progressive muscle relaxation before diving into specifics around the client's trauma, one can create a safe space for them to work on trauma with minimal risk of retraumatization.