Grounding
Grounding helps people in an emotional crisis detach from their emotional pain (e.g., anger, sadness, agitation, anxiety, etc.) by focusing outward on the external world rather than inward on the self (Najavits, 2002). The same technique or similar techniques are referred to as “distraction,” “centering,” “safe place” or “healthy detachment.” The rationale behind the technique is to “step out” during times of feeling overwhelmed, to regain control over feelings or to “ground” oneself in the present reality.
Using or teaching grounding techniques is not a substitute for specialized assessment and support. A benefit of grounding techniques is that they can be used in a variety of places with anyone in distress. They can also be taught to clients as a “take-home” technique.
The three main ways of grounding are:
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Mental
Focus on your mind; for example, describe your environment in detail, taking care to avoid judgments; count backwards; play a category game such as naming types of cars, TV shows, etc.; read out loud; describe something other than your environment in detail.
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Physical
Focus on your senses, especially touch and hearing; for example, run cool or warm water over your hands; touch various objects around you; dig your heels into the floor; stretch; walk slowly; focus on your breathing.
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Soothing
Talk to yourself in a very kind way (e.g., say kind statements); think of your favourite things; picture people or places you care about; think positive thoughts; visualize a safe place where you feel good and describe it in detail.
Clients may gravitate toward a particular type of grounding, so be aware of their preferences. Note that using a grounding technique is advised only if the client grants permission to proceed.
Imagine this scenario
You’re having a conversation with a client about his recent struggles with job-hunting. As he recounts his difficulties, he shifts to talking about his earlier experiences in his country, where he was persecuted, imprisoned and physically and sexually abused. He becomes visibly distressed and starts breathing heavily and irregularly. His speech becomes inconsistent and his voice grows louder. He jumps out of his chair and starts pacing around the room.
Possible response
"I can see that you’re very upset. I’m concerned about you. I’d like to offer you some techniques that can be helpful in dealing with stress. Would you like to try them out?""
[The client gives permission.]"Keep your eyes open and look around. Please find and describe 10 red [or any other colour] objects.""
Or
"Describe a place that you find soothing. What is that place? Where is it? Focus on everything about the place—sounds, colours, shapes, objects, textures. Tell me about this place.""