What is a stabilizing technique used to help overwhelmed survivors orient and calm themselves?

Grounding is a key technique utilized in psychological first aid to help individuals who are feeling overwhelmed regain a sense of stability and connection to the present. This technique involves directing a person's focus to the here and now, often by encouraging them to become aware of their surroundings and their own physical sensations. Grounding can help to reduce feelings of panic and disorientation by anchoring an individual in their current environment and making them feel more secure.

For example, grounding techniques might include asking the person to describe in detail what they can see, hear, and feel, or encouraging them to focus on their breathing and the physical sensations they experience as they do so. By using grounding methods, survivors can effectively calm their minds and bodies, fostering a greater sense of control despite the overwhelming emotions they may be experiencing.

Other techniques like breathing exercises, visualization, and self-affirmation can also be beneficial in different contexts, but grounding specifically targets the need to reconnect with the present moment, which is particularly crucial for someone who is feeling overwhelmed.