Grounding to Combat Dissociation

Dissociation often arises when the nervous system perceives a lack of safety, prompting its use as a coping strategy. It is essential to acknowledge and honor this strategy before addressing it. Prioritizing the restoration of safety is crucial, and this can be achieved through grounding techniques that help reorient attention to the present moment. Grounding can be as simple as providing an object to hold or fidget with, which serves to anchor a person in the here and now. These techniques can help solidify the sense of safety in the current environment while acknowledging the threatening nature of past experiences. If grounding is effectively integrated into the therapeutic process, it allows for a sustained engagement with traumatic material instead of being interrupted by dissociation. Furthermore, clients who have experienced high levels of dissociation can still be suitable candidates for effective techniques such as EMDR, provided there is a mutual understanding of their dissociative experiences. Establishing a shared language about their dissociation can help maintain regulation and safety during therapy, facilitating progress in resolving underlying issues that previously led to dissociative responses.