Our Bodies and Brains are Amazing!

In behavior spaces, I often see lists of suggested methods for clients to use as a means to regulate their nervous system, such as “touch your toes” or “take a deep breath.” My approach to helping clients regulate is a little bit different.

Instead of beginning with techniques from a list, I first observe the client as I have learned that each individual has unique methods that they are already naturally doing to regulate that may not always match the existing paradigm. The body and mind are brilliant! For example, one client will squeeze their stuffie, while another will talk about their special interest. At the same time, I develop individualized vocabularies with clients, such as “squish squish” or “happy fast (vs. ouchy fast).” By recognizing and naming these behaviors, I can guide truly individualized methods of regulation that feel natural to the client, and help others around them to recognize a client’s natural regulatory behaviors. 

Most of my clients are older adults who already have their way of doing things. Rather than re-inventing the wheel, I work with what they’re already doing. This approach allows learning to take place efficiently and helps them develop a sense of agency because they naturally feel their own power to state-shift.

This approach centers the client, while traditional approaches often try to fit a client into an existing paradigm. It allows clients to develop a sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, two key players in learning to state-shift!

What are some of your own techniques?