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Stabilising. Introducing the toolbox.
SAID ALOUD
Stabilising. Introducing the toolbox.
Aim. To learn recovery skills and stabilising tools that you can use to strengthen and stabilise survivors of trauma.
PART II: THE TRAINING
Trainer. Yesterday we brainstormed about some of the important things helpers say and do when they meet trauma survivors. We talked about the qualities we need to be a good helper. Before we return to this I want to share with you the idea of a tool-box. [ The trainer draws a tool box.]
We all use a tool-box when we work. The Butterfly Woman story is now one of these tools, but you already have many others through your work. With your knowledge and experience, in fact, you are the most important tool. In these sessions, we will practise additional tools and skills so that they can be available to you when you need them.
Recalling the Butterfly Woman story and drawing on your experience, you will help me to fill the toolbox with tools.
To empower survivors is a skill. The Butterfly Woman story can be used to empower, and many other skills that we will explore can help to stabilise survivors like the Butterfly Woman and assist them to feel more in control and less frightened.
To do this, we need to help survivors to connect with their senses. Being aware of her senses helps a survivor to manage danger and fear.
We reviewed earlier a picture of the human brain( What are trauma reactions? on page 39). Knowing how the brain works and why we react the way we do in traumatic events may be useful, even a tool. What other tools have we used so far?