Mobilizing and Orienting

If you are working with shutdown, numbness, dissociation, and drifting out, consider the following access channels:

• Body & Movement

• Sensory

• Verbal & Cognitive

• Relational

• Meaning & Lineage

Clinical Considerations

Catch drifting early and bring the client back gradually. Shutdown is often protective, so invite rather than push, start sensory input at a low intensity, and watch for overshoot into activation. Make sure the client is present and oriented before continuing or ending the session. Lead with choice, and adapt for age, developmental level, sensory needs, mobility, and language.