The general definition that I teach for grounding in my clinical courses is a combination of spiritual director Martha Postlewaite’s work on grounding2 with some of my own flair added in. Grounding is using any and all available senses and experiences to remain in the present moment, or to return to the present moment.

To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear. —Stephen Levine

Ten contributors specifically named spiritual and energetic practices as helpful to them in the grounding process. While these outlets are explored more fully in chapter 6, which covers healing practices, some of the specific practices and insights bear mentioning here in this discussion on grounding: Tapping into something greater than myself Indi

Another variation you can use for this exercise that can be powerful, especially if you identify as having a system or working with different aspects of yourself, is to allow each member of the system or part to make their own playlist.

If working with movement, consider this practice: If one part’s message could be expressed in a movement or a gesture, what would that be? Then notice: If the other part’s message could be expressed in a movement or a gesture, what would that gesture be? Spend a few minutes going back and forth between the movements/gestures and see what naturally

The brain stem (sometimes called the reptilian brain, although brain stem is more correct): includes the cerebellum (the structure at the bottom of the brain that plays an active role in motor control and sensorimotor processes); controls instinctual survival behaviors, muscle control, balance, breathing, and heartbeat. Very reactive to direct stim

Neuroception suggests that the body can work below the level of awareness to give us information at an implicit level. Jamie has long told her clients, “Your body will alert you to what’s going on ten steps before you even realize that anything is the matter.” This teaching exemplifies neuroception. In keeping with the theme of this chapter, more t

Being in Nature and Connecting with Pets and Animals Sixteen contributors specifically spoke to the power of going outside or being in nature as immensely helpful to their grounding and healing. For many years as a therapist, I’ve observed the raw power in simply being able to go outside with a client and engage in some “walk and talk” therapy, esp

Elizabeth’s “clinical line” to define dissociation is that when our ability to stay present in life is disrupted, we default into states of denial or into other aspects of ourself/ourselves. Even though she recognizes that the clinical word dissociation is often incorrectly used by others when they pronounce it as “dis-association,” she believes th