Maxine Harris says that in trauma-informed services “trust and safety, rather than being assumed from the beginning, must be earned and demonstrated over time.” Learning grounding activities can be important for staff and clients in trauma-informed organizations and systems.
For clients, they can help to manage a trauma response, increase feelings of safety, and support the development of the skills needed to begin healing. Grounding activities can increase awareness of trauma responses, help build therapeutic relationships, be included in safety plans and offer validation. For staff, grounding activities can help you remain present when working with clients and be included in your own self-care practices.
