Sensory Grounding Using Smells

Harness the power of smell to anchor clients in the present moment, using a simple yet effective grounding technique. Taken from the Psychology Tools For Overcoming PTSD audio collection.

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Audio track (MP3)

A therapy audio track designed for skills development.

Audio script (PDF)

The script for a therapy audio track. Read along with an exercise, or record in your own voice.

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops in response to traumatic experiences, resulting in symptoms including such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and a current sense of threat. The Psychology Tools For Overcoming PTSD Audio Collection offers a structured series of exercises designed to help clients manage these symptoms effectively.

Sensory grounding is an approach that utilizes the sense of smell to help individuals remain present. The olfactory bulb, responsible for processing smell, is closely connected to the amygdala which processes danger and emotion, making smell a powerful tool for emotional regulation. This resource guides mental health professionals on how to help clients use smells as grounding tools, especially during distressing experiences like flashbacks.