Page 290 - Total War on PTSD

aware of them. It also frees up energy that was used to hold on to those repressed feelings, and that energy then becomes available for healing and building resiliency. The release can be a huge relief, but it can also bring up intense emotions, especially during a powerful retreat week.
When someone becomes really agitated, confused or emotional during a session, or has a flashback, I work to bring their attention back to the present and their surroundings as quickly as possible. Speaking in a calm voice, having them look at objects around the room or concentrate on breathing or bodily sensations (such as wiggling toes or fingers), are some ways to bring them back to the here and now. Depending on the person and the moment, it may or may not be a good idea to touch them, but if intuition says to touch, a light but firm static touch may be best, being careful not to startle. Any issues that come up for them during our session, I encourage them to discuss with their counselor.
People suffering with PTS are often stuck in, or too easily switched into, the Sympathetic mode of the Central Nervous System, commonly referred to as “fight/ flight/freeze” mode. In this state, which is essential for survival in a dangerous situation, stress neurotransmitters and hormones are released to prepare the body to respond. When the danger is over, the body should shift back into Parasympathetic mode, also known as “rest/digest/heal” mode. This is the state we need to be in to absorb nutrients, get restorative sleep, and rebuild body tissues. If a person stays in Sympathetic mode chronically or enters it too often, there can be damage to the body and brain from the prolonged exposure to the stress hormones. This can lead to health
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