A resource is something that helps you feel safe, grounded, or supported during the healing process It can be any internal or external experience, object, person, or memory that provides a sense of calm, safety, or strength Resources are used as tools to help regulate your nervous system, particularly when you’re working through intense emotions or trauma The idea is that when you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or triggered by trauma, you can access your resource to help shift your nervous system into a more balanced state. It’s about finding something to anchor you and create a sense of safety or calmness, which can help you approach difficult emotions or sensations in a manageable way The idea is that when you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or triggered by trauma, you can access your resource to help shift your nervous system into a more balanced state It’s about finding something to anchor you and create a sense of safety or calmness, which can help you approach difficult emotions or sensations in a manageable way Types of Resources: 1. Physical Sensations A sense of warmth, grounding (like feeling your feet on the ground), or relaxation in a part of your body (eg. feeling the warmth in your chest when you breathe deeply) 2. Positive Memories A memory that brings a sense of comfort, love, or support (eg. remembering a moment when you felt truly safe or loved, like a hug from a loved one or a peaceful time in nature) 3. Imagery A mental image or symbol that represents safety, strength, or calmness (eg. Imagining a peaceful place like a beach, forest, or a safe room) 4. People A person (real or imagined) who brings you comfort, love, or a sense of safety (eg. thinking of a supportive friend or family member, or an image of someone you trust and care about) 5. Objects Physical objects that make you feel secure or bring you comfort (eg. holding a favourite item like a piece of jewellry, a blanket, or a memento that has positive associations) 6. Internal Qualities Strengths or positive traits that you identify within yourself (eg. your ability to be resilient, calm, creative, or strong during tough times) Why Resources Are Important: Resources are key in SE because they help you manage your nervous system during challenging moments in therapy When you're processing trauma, it’s crucial to balance moments of discomfort with feelings of safety and support. Using resources during a session helps you stay in a state where you can process without becoming overwhelmed How Resources Are Used in SE: * Titration When you’re working through a traumatic memory or experience, your therapist might guide you to switch back and forth between the challenging sensations and your resource, allowing your nervous system to process the trauma gently and safely. * Grounding: If you're feeling triggered or overwhelmed, you can turn to your resource to help you reconnect with a feeling of calm, grounding yourself in the present moment. * Building Resilience: Over time, as you practice using your resources, you strengthen your ability to manage stress, anxiety, or trauma, making it easier to cope with difficult emotions outside of therapy Example in Practice: Let’s say you're processing a moment of anxiety Your therapist might guide you to remember a moment when you felt really safe—maybe it’s a moment sitting in your favorite park They might ask you to vividly imagine the sounds, smells, and sights of that place, and notice how your body feels as you reconnect with that sense of safety This resource helps you "anchor" your nervous system, allowing you to stay grounded as you process the more intense emotions or sensations associated with anxiety By practicing this technique, you can access this resource whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or need emotional regulation, both in and outside of therapy