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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 ?