HIGHLIGHTS FROM AMHCA ’ S 2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE tree traveling down through their feet , firmly anchoring them to earth . This technique is great for anxiety , hyperactivity , public speaking , hard conversations , etc .
• Breathing : Initially just ask clients to observe their natural breathing . Then suggest that they gently elongate the exhale . After a few of those gentle elongated breaths , you can suggest that they gently drop their shoulders away from their ears as they exhale . Then ask them to return to taking natural breaths . If the client has gone into their freeze , dorsal , or shutdown response , suggest that they focus their awareness on their inhalations to bring energy into their body ( still prolong the exhale to encourage overall relaxation ).
• Changing the View : It is common for neurosensitives to become fixated on the thing ( s ) that are triggering them . Encourage your client to bring their attention to something else ; this is most frequently done visually and not just in their thoughts . If your client has slipped into that freeze , dorsal , or shutdown response :
DEEP-DIVE BREAKOUT SESSION Working With ‘ Neurosensitives ’
Ask them to name a few items in one direction ( i . e ., “ What are three things that you see on your left ?”);
Then count a few items in another direction ( i . e ., “ Count out loud please , how many books do you see on that shelf to your right ?”— making sure that there are no more than five items to be counted );
Then ask them to focus on what ’ s straight ahead ( i . e ., “ Name three colors that you see in front of you .”
If the person seems unable to turn their head , you can ask them to look in a direction with just their eyes . Try it for yourself . … As you turn your eyes , your head will begin to subtly turn , which brings the potential of movement to the system .
• Modulating Energy : Empaths unconsciously assume that they must absorb others ’ emotions into their own body ( being ). Not only is this not necessary , but it is counterproductive .
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First , I help clients understand cognitively that they only need a small bit of information to respond correctly ( such as get away , support the other , listen with compassion , etc .).
Next is for them to understand that most folks absorb this information in the gut area . Encourage them to find imagery that can effectively minimize the apparent opening that lets the energy and emotions in . Some imagine the blowhole of a dolphin or whale that opens and closes . Others visualize a weave or screen where the openings can be made larger or smaller .
The Advocate Magazine 2023 , Issue # 2 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org
Ventral Vagal Stage
Sympathetic Nervous System
Dorsal Vagal System
We can only move up or down the ladder in sequence — we cannot jump steps .
The Autonomic Ladder Concept : Deb Dana
We have to be at the top of the ladder for growth and restoration .
We feel safe , open , engaged . We can explore , learn , rest , and relax .
We are mobilized for danger , and we go into action — fight , flight , or freeze .
We are on the path of last resort — we shut down , collapse , dissociate , faint .
A third idea is to use color ( a deep red is quite opaque and won ’ t allow much energy to pass through , while a soft pink is more translucent and allows a lot to come in .)
We want clients to be able to vary their level of openness because there are times when you want to be more open ( see “ Seeking ‘ Glimmers ’” above ). As clients play with this concept and the imagery , they can usually feel the changes in their nervous systems — becoming calmer or more agitated with the openness . continued on page 22 21