Trauma and EMDR: stabilisation · worksheet 94
When something is too intense, the brain can “cut the power”: you feel far away, unreal, numb, as if absent. It is a protection. Recognising it helps you come back gently.
This exercise is best done with the support of a psychologist.
Before you start
- What it is for: To recognise the moments when you disconnect and know how to come back.
- About 15 minutes. Best done with your psychologist: disconnection (dissociation) is worked on carefully.
- Disconnecting is the brain’s way of protecting you from something that felt like too much. It happens to many people who have been through difficult experiences: you are not “going mad”.
- The sooner you notice the early signs, the easier it is to come back.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
Spotting the early signs often lets you act before you “go” completely. Share your observations in session.
If you find it hard
If these moments are frequent, put you in danger (crossing the road, driving) or come with memory gaps, talk to your psychologist soon.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Help the person recognise their signs of dissociation (absence, unreality, numbness, memory gaps), their triggers and ways of coming back to the present.
People with traumatic experiences who describe moments of absence or disconnection. To be worked on with a psychologist. Duration: 20 min in session.
References
Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E. R. S. & Steele, K. (2006). The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization. Norton.
Ogden, P., Minton, K. & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. Norton.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
