The Neptune Warrior

I am staring at the tiles at the bottom of the pool. Black tiles that formed together create the lines that form swim lanes. Each one is perfectly placed by it’s neighbor, yet when I look I can detect differences between each individual tile. I close my eyes and trace the texture with my fingers. I close my eyes and reach out to the next tile. My fingers detect the difference between the lanes formed by each black block and the smooth bottom of the pool. I kick forward to folow the tiles. In a moment I am lost in the exercise. My mind is completely focused on the task at hand. I have forgotten for a brief period of time anyway all the things that drain me. Bills, busted relationships, issues with my Jeep, stress at work. Its all gone and before I realize it I have moved from one end of the pool to the other completely transfixed by the feel of tiny one inch blocks of tile.

In the intricate journey of trauma recovery, psychologists employ diverse approaches to address dissociation, often associated with traumatic experiences. This blog explores the multifaceted concept of dissociation, drawing insights from Bioenergetics, scuba diving principles, and the therapeutic power of familiar underwater spaces. Inspired by Alexander Lowen’s pioneering work and the calming depths of scuba environments, therapists integrate grounding techniques and somatic breathing to guide survivors of trauma towards healing. Let’s embark on a journey to understand these approaches and their collective impact on reclaiming the present moment.

Understanding Dissociation and Grounding: Alexander Lowen’s work in Bioenergetics emphasized the connection between psychological maturity, being well-grounded, and being “in touch with reality.” Grounding serves as a safety valve, preventing the dangerous buildup of emotional charge that can lead to adverse outcomes. Trauma recovery often involves addressing dissociative reactions where individuals shift their attention away from the present moment. Grounding techniques, inspired by scuba diving’s principles of control and awareness, play a pivotal role in stabilizing clients and establishing a sense of safety.

Historical Roots and Categories of Grounding Techniques: The historical evolution of grounding in trauma therapy can be traced back to the 1980s, with early techniques involving methods to keep individuals connected with reality. Contemporary trauma therapists, such as Kennerley, have refined and expanded grounding techniques into sensory and cognitive categories. Sensory grounding engages clients’ senses to anchor them in the present moment, while cognitive grounding reassures individuals of their safety by affirming that the traumatic event is over.

Practice and Personalization of Grounding Techniques: Effective grounding requires practice, and clients are encouraged to explore a range of techniques to discover what works best for them. Therapists facilitate graded exposure to triggers during sessions, combining it with grounding techniques to help clients practice their skills. Encouraging clients to carry grounding objects, such as essential oils or tactile items, provides tangible tools for maintaining connection with the present moment beyond therapy sessions.

The SEA SPOT I wrote about in another blog entry is a place I go to for refuge often. The Significance of Familiar Underwater Spaces: Adding an extra layer to the effectiveness of grounding techniques is the concept of familiar underwater environments. Whether in a pool or the open water, having a designated and familiar spot underwater enhances the sense of grounding. Just as scuba divers find comfort and familiarity in their chosen diving locations, individuals recovering from trauma can benefit from creating a safe and familiar mental space underwater. This aligns with the therapeutic principle of establishing a safe haven, fostering a connection with the present moment and promoting a sense of security during the healing process.

Somatic Breathing Techniques: Somatic breathing techniques add another dimension to trauma recovery. Somatic practices focus on the connection between the mind and body, and breathing techniques, in particular, can have profound effects. Incorporating somatic breathing into therapy helps individuals regulate their nervous system, promoting relaxation and a heightened sense of self-awareness. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and paced breathing align with the principles of grounding, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.

Conclusion: As scuba coaches who focus on using diving for wellness guide clients through the depths of trauma recovery, the fusion of Bioenergetics principles, scuba-inspired grounding techniques, and the significance of familiar underwater spaces becomes a powerful and holistic approach. By helping individuals reconnect with the present moment and integrating somatic breathing practices, therapists provide a comprehensive toolkit for healing and resilience. The Grounding Techniques cards gifted in this blog entry serves as a valuable resource, offering clients a diverse array of techniques to explore and personalize. Through the exploration of scuba-inspired grounding and the calming depths of underwater environments, individuals can build a repertoire of skills, enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of trauma recovery with resilience and self-awareness.

References:

1. de Tord, P., & Bräuninger, I. (2015). Bioenergetics in Somatic Psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1872. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01872
2. Holmes, E. A., et al. (2005). Key steps in developing a cognitive vaccine against traumatic flashbacks: Visuospatial Tetris versus verbal pub quiz. PLoS ONE, 4(1), e4153. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004153
3. Kennerley, H. (1996). Cognitive therapy for dissociative identity disorder. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 26(4), 285-303. doi:10.1007/BF02305738
4. Sanderson, C. (1991). Counselling adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Routledge.
5. Scuba Diving Magazine. (2022). The Physics and Physiology of Deep Diving. Retrieved from https://www.scubadiving.com/training/advanced/physics-physiology-deep-diving
6. The International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis (IIBA). (2013). What is Bioenergetics? Retrieved from https://bioenergetics.org/what-is-bioenergetics/