PTSD Grounding Worksheet
By
HappierTherapy
Author bio
The Happier Therapy editorial team is made up of Masters and PhD counselling psychologists. Each worksheet is created by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The worksheet then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
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What is the theory behind this PTSD Grounding worksheet?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is classified as a ‘Trauma and Stressor related disorder’ in DSM 5 that occurs after an individual witnesses a highly traumatic event in their life. Among its symptoms are persistent intrusive thoughts and memories about the traumatic event and heightened physical and emotional arousal or dissociation in response to reminders of the traumatic event.
These symptoms tend to either overwhelm the individual or leave them numb and detached from the present. Grounding techniques are used to help them stay in the present moment and gain control of their thoughts and feelings before their anxiety overcomes them and makes coping difficult.
How will the worksheet help?
This worksheet will provide some simple grounding techniques that the client can practice whenever they face distressing symptoms brought about by triggers of their trauma. It will provide them with a coping ‘toolbox’ that they can utilise in need. Through practice they can also identify which grounding technique works best for them.
How to use the worksheet?
This worksheet can be used for clients with PTSD, anxiety disorders and issues related to substance abuse
