General Grounding Technique Confusion

[MSMiller]

I saw a document on the "Grounding Technique" that was given to my sufferer to use. I read through it and I am not sure if because I am not at the stages of understanding that ,is why it didn't make sense to me.

It made me feel like they are teaching him how to disassociate from the reality of life and not teaching him how to participate even in small doses. I thought the VA therapy would encourage a better way to communicate that you are having a hard time with a particular situation and I am sure it does, but the "Grounding Technique" was odd to me and I could not see how it could be helpful. I admit after my review, I shuffled it to the bottom of his worksheets.

Has anyone used or seen this technique and had any success with it?

 

[elisabeth]

There are various techniques that can be used in grounding. Grounding allows us reconnect with the present when dissociating. These techniques tend to all concentrate on focus. When we dissociate we loose focus on the present. Most therapists advocate some type of grounding. Different grounding techniques work for each person. What types of grounding techniques the paper advocating?

 

[MSMiller]

It is at home but will update the post once I have it in hand.

What you saying make sense somewhat.

 

[Hashi]

not teaching him how to participate even in small doses. I thought the VA therapy would encourage a better way to communicate that you are having a hard time with a particular situation

As a sufferer, I can tell you that grounding techniques are nothing to do with communicating something to someone else.

Are you talking about relationship issues? If so please don't look for relationship solutions in grounding techniques. Not everything is about relationships or participating in anything. Grounding techniques are not about that. If you're a supporter, they're nothing to do with you (except in the sense of wanting to support someone doing what they need to do to get through trauma and PTSD).

Grounding techniques are the number one part of trauma work. They're for the sufferer and not for the supporter, or for the relationship, or for participation. They're about surviving the horrors of trauma and PTSD. Please put the paper back on the top of the pile. If you have concerns about what it says then raise those appropriately - you might have some very valid points. But please don't play around with the information that has been given to a sufferer to help them get through.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Once you post the exact grounding technique, we can explain more. There are tons of different techniques so it's hard to comment without knowing the one yours talking about.

 

[Abstract]

I agree with all points the others have brought up. Grounding is the key thing to managing trauma and being able to stay safe. The cornerstone or lifeline if you will. Not all techniques work for all people. There are many different ways to attempt to ground oneself. We of course can't comment on this one though as we have no idea of the content.

It might be worthwhile discussing here what you expected. It might clarify or dispel any misconceptions that you may have about PTSD.

 

[macca]

Rather than causing someone to disconnect from reality, grounding techniques are there to help re-connect with the reality of the moment, instead of getting stuck in a flashback or other traumatic reaction. It isn't really about being able to connect with others, it's to help connect with the here and now, instead of the brain making us relive the past. I hope that distinction helps!

 

[radicalgratitude]

Grounding techniques are the number one part of trauma work. They're for the sufferer and not for the supporter, or for the relationship, or for participation. They're about surviving the horrors of trauma and PTSD. Please put the paper back on the top of the pile. If you have concerns about what it says then raise those appropriately - you might have some very valid points. But please don't play around with the information that has been given to a sufferer to help them get through.

I wish I could have liked this a bunch of times. I must admit, I was feeling angry and was going to allow myself to calm down before replying. However, Hashi wrote everything I wanted to say in a great way.

 

[Abstract]

will update the post once I have it in hand.

I highly recommend you do this as I think it is essential that you better understand this aspect of trauma. For your own sake and for his.

 

[rodya]

I would post my opinion here but it would only be redundant. Please learn more about grounding techniques, and put the paper at the TOP of the stack!

 

[Seasounds]

My story that may help understanding grounding: when I started to deal with memories, a healer told me to imagine bringing the earths energy up through the soles of my feet. "Ha," I thought, "I am not a hippie." But since I was at my 'bottom', I had nothing to lose. So I did this exercise, twice a day for 30 days. Then, an entire layer of depression cleared, with no other treatments.

When I asked the healer how grounding worked, he said, "By creating a neutral energy source, you are more easily able to create safety, new behaviors, and new experiences. (An old battery charged with trauma, just creates more of the same.)