Calm space – the word “safe” concerning a mental space where we feel protected can be triggering, just as breathing can be triggering for some people. However, you can remind people that this is a calm space – they are safe. So do something nurturing together, talk to them softly and ask questions to switch on their cortex (part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and awareness), suggest grounding exercises to help people learn how to calm body and mind.
This #IWD2022, we are discussing stabilisation – a process of supporting traumatised people into safety. We use stabilisation as the first stage of support for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, refugees, war veterans and people who have PTSD.
