Comfort items

[Enaila]

I usually wear a soft bracelet I can take on and off as well as twist. I bought the T some soft smooth rocks and some other calming objects she keeps at her office for whoever wishes to use them. She keeps the soft rocks out. If I find myself tugging at my hair, I will put one in each hand or she hands me an object out of the box. There is a TY Beanie Hedgehog zipper pull which is small, but has a lot of different textures. It keeps me grounded.

 

[Deadman]

Hmmm. I'm wondering now why my T keeps asking me what I do to ground myself. I don't have any comfort items. Maybe its because most people do?

 

[FauxLiz]

I take a water bottle to every session. I have only forgot one time and my T realized how upset and frenetic I was that he went to his break room and brought one back for me. I twist, twirl and play with the bottle. I tear the label off, or I used to my T noticed a couple of weeks ago I had stopped doing that he thinks it is a good sign.

 

[WomanHero]

Does anybody bring a comfort items with them to therapy? If so, what, and how does it help you?

My sister always brings her stress ball with her. Whenever she gets tensioned or stressed, she would take it out and focus her entire attention on it. We had it customized to her favorite character, 'Pucca.'

 

[Leighlee87]

I always, always have a hairband on my wrist to play with, the one day I forgot it she gave me something to fidget with because I was so aggetated. My therapist also always gives me a small water bottle and has me drink some if she's trying to get me grounded again, especially after emdr sessions.

 

[WomanHero]

Has anyone tried any hobby or activity that helps in relieving PTSD symptoms? I'm really hoping that you can share it with us.

 

[Deadman]

I find simple repetitive things helpful. When things are really bad I make paracord bracelets.

 

[desiderata310]

Has anyone tried any hobby or activity that helps in relieving PTSD symptoms?

Well this is not exactly where the thread started but as long as the OP is ok with the change...

Yes, I have tried coloring mandalas, cross stitch. They seem to help some.
On the more active end of the spectrum:
Running, cycling, swimming, surfing, mountain biking, trail running
All very very cathartic.

 

[Deadman]

I can vouch for doing anything active if you can manage it.

 

[anonymous]

Target shooting

 

[corvidae]

i have a lumbar bag i take that holds (among other things) day planner, phone, snack, water bottle, extra shirt, socks, hat (always have a cold head), coloring book/pencils and yarn/knitting needles. if none of that is working to ground/comfort during a session, plopping the entire bag in my lap helps as its weight is helpful with relieving anxiety.

 

[Nessa7]

My new t is in a building that requires for any purses or bags to be stored in a closet whenever you enter the building. It bothered me so much that I ordered a clear purse. I haven't even brought it with me once yet, and I am already considering buying at least one more so I can have options. I don't need to have my purse with me all the time, but it makes me anxious to go to therapy without my usual stuff.