Grounding Strategies
1. Butterfly Hug Technique
- Description: This self-soothing technique involves crossing arms over the chest and tapping alternately with each hand.
- Empirical Evidence: The Butterfly Hug has been used effectively in EMDR therapy to help clients self-regulate and reduce distress (Artigas, Jarero, Mauer, López Cano, & Alcalá, 2000).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, self-soothing, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Artigas, L., Jarero, I., Mauer, M., López Cano, T., & Alcalá, N. (2000). The "Butterfly Hug": An EMDR integrative technique. Paper presented at the EMDR Europe Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
2. Sensory Grounding with Objects
- Description: Clients use objects with different textures, such as smooth stones or textured fabrics, to stay present during sessions.
- Empirical Evidence: Engaging the senses can help clients focus on the present moment and reduce dissociation (Ogden & Fisher, 2015).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, sensory grounding, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment. W. W. Norton & Company.
3. Movement-Based Grounding (Tai Chi or Qigong)
- Description: Incorporating slow, mindful movements to help clients stay grounded and connected to their bodies.
- Empirical Evidence: Movement practices like Tai Chi and Qigong have been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve emotional regulation (Wang, Collet, & Lau, 2004).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, movement-based grounding, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Wang, C., Collet, J. P., & Lau, J. (2004). The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(5), 493-501. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.164.5.493
4. Dual Awareness Exercises
- Description: These exercises involve focusing on the present environment while simultaneously recalling a traumatic event, helping to integrate past and present experiences.
- Empirical Evidence: Dual awareness is a core component of EMDR therapy and helps clients process traumatic memories safely (Shapiro, 2018).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, dual awareness, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
5. Grounding with Music or Sound
- Description: Using music or specific sounds to help clients stay grounded and focused during EMDR sessions.
- Empirical Evidence: Music therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being in trauma survivors (Bensimon, Amir, & Wolf, 2008).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, grounding with music, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Bensimon, M., Amir, D., & Wolf, Y. (2008). Drumming through trauma: Music therapy with post-traumatic soldiers. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 35(1), 34-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2007.09.002
6. Creative Visualization
- Description: Clients visualize a safe place or calming scene to help stay grounded during processing.
- Empirical Evidence: Visualization techniques have been found to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation in trauma therapy (Zarbo, Tasca, Cattafi, & Compare, 2013).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, creative visualization, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Zarbo, C., Tasca, G. A., Cattafi, F., & Compare, A. (2013). Integrative psychotherapy works. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(1), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031421
7. Aromatherapy Grounding
- Description: Using essential oils like lavender or peppermint to help clients stay present and calm during sessions.
- Empirical Evidence: Aromatherapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood (Conrad & Adams, 2012).
- Keywords: EMDR therapy, aromatherapy, trauma therapy, mental health therapy
- Source: Conrad, P., & Adams, C. (2012). The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high-risk postpartum woman – A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 164-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.007
References
- Artigas, L., Jarero, I., Mauer, M., López Cano, T., & Alcalá, N. (2000). The "Butterfly Hug": An EMDR integrative technique. Paper presented at the EMDR Europe Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Bensimon, M., Amir, D., & Wolf, Y. (2008). Drumming through trauma: Music therapy with post-traumatic soldiers. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 35(1), 34-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2007.09.002
- Conrad, P., & Adams, C. (2012). The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high-risk postpartum woman – A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 164-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.007
- Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
- Wang, C., Collet, J. P., & Lau, J. (2004). The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(5), 493-501. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.164.5.493
- Zarbo, C., Tasca, G. A., Cattafi, F., & Compare, A. (2013). Integrative psychotherapy works. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(1), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031421
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Abundant Light Counseling
surrounding service areas include but are not limited to
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To book an appointment call Beth Anderson, M.Ed., LPCC at
507-412-6855 or book online at
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