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11 Comments

  1. Roni McBeth, Counseling, CA says

    Very thoughtful. I love this.

  2. Linda Lapetino, Marriage/Family Therapy, USA says

    Great video and detailed explanation by way of a specific example. Loved how this reminds us to look at the different, sometimes opposing parts, internally and acknowledge all of them; learn to understand them and work with them.

    • Daniela B, Counseling, USA says

      I think I like this statement of the parts, and for me, in a holistic sense those aren’t “opposing parts”. Using meditation and mindfulness to become aware of the body/mind connection, yoga, and walking in the woods…all of this are part of a healthy routine. Pat Odgen has some helpful and rigorous strategies that can be helpful, and Peter Levine and co-regulation.

    • Nakoft, Other, DE, USA says

      I have found writing a journal has been helpful in the past and went back to do this and use writing as a tool, and using multi color pens of my choice. Sometimes I go with the flow and music. Sharing what I wrote is somehow much more difficult. But that’s has been working well with my therapist and next I want to reduce my consumption of caffeinated drink using this technique also.

  3. Susanne Rehm, Nursing, Orange County, CA, USA says

    I’ve found that “safe” clothing can be helpful too in expanding boundaries into new situations. Once had a client who took her little chihuahua with her everywhere and carried it in front of her heart as a shield against negative energy. Eventually she was able to transition to a vest and then to a scarf to achieve the same shielded results. Slightly angling her body away from frontal exposure to “threatening” energies was also effective until that was no longer needed. Fascinating how the mind can help us feel safe in circumstances that were previously overwhelming.
    Thank you for sharing this video.

  4. Elizabeth Lee, Nursing, Little Rock, AR, USA says

    I can understand someone who has been abused having mixed feelings about moving into a new situation without having a reliable “friend” to look to for support. In the old situation, the survivor has established friends and knows who the abusers are that require keeping healthy boundaries with. Without knowing anyone in a new situation, it is harder to distinguish who is trustworthy and who isn’t. Moving to a new place or position can be exciting but is also a vulnerable time that requires extra energy and courage.

  5. Dom C, Student, NY, USA says

    This is so much of what I’ve been dealing with most of my life. I keep hitting these walls, and they’re too much for me despite knowing what I really want is on the other side. I’m a student in an MSW program now, and each semester there comes a paper to write that is so hard for me to even begin. I sit and stare at the assignment but do not begin until it is too late, and have to ask for an extension, all the while prolonging the pain I’m in. I have all these excuses as to why this program will not work for me. I have learned that these voices in me are not the truth, but it hasn’t been much easier. I still hit that wall hard. I have already dropped out of a few programs (and ran away from so many other things I’ve wanted) in my life but the difference was I believed my excuses. It’s great that I’m much more aware but it almost makes it harder because of the shame of knowing this but not being able to change.
    I guess after writing this, I’m understanding I need to work with someone who understands this approach that Bonnie is speaking of.

  6. Donna Ray, Manalapan, NJ, USA says

    this video was so poignant. I have several clients that I would like to work with this in this way to help them ground themselves, as they dissociate in quite different ways during in life and I have been able to assess when this is happening. I would like to understand how to work with the body and somatic process more effectively.

    • Betsy Flinch, Counseling, USA says

      I’d like in the same way know how to prepare clients in their transition in life and struggles. There is first time leaving the nest, first time for getting in a new job and committed. Those are ideal tips that could be use for transitioning . Thanks.

      • Gigi Vial, Stress Management, San D, CA, USA says

        Absolutely agree. Those transitions are challenging and it is much more when there is a lack of support and
        Psycho education . Thank you nicabm for all you do .

  7. Karen Smith, Another Field, GB says

    That’s definatly me because I hold on to so much pain and trauma. I’m currently waiting g for councilling for severe ptsd