Wellgrounded Wednesdays: How to Stay Grounded During Emotionally Heavy Sessions
Therapists hold space for so many emotions—grief, anger, trauma, and hope. Yet few talk about the quiet art of grounding ourselves between those moments. Staying centered doesn’t make you less empathetic; it makes you more effective.
Recognizing Emotional Overload
Even the most seasoned clinicians absorb emotional energy. The first step to grounding is noticing when your body starts reacting—tight shoulders, shallow breathing, or zoning out. These signals are not weaknesses; they’re invitations to pause and regulate.
Grounding in the Moment
When emotions rise during sessions, simple practices can bring you back:
Anchor your breath. Match your client’s pace for empathy, then return to your own to regain balance.
Name the sensation. “I feel tension in my chest” separates emotion from identity.
Visualize grounding. Picture roots extending from your feet into the floor.
Post-Session Reset
Between sessions, reset your nervous system: stretch, step outside, or use sensory grounding (cold water, essential oils, textured objects). These micro-breaks don’t just restore calm—they protect your capacity to hold space for the next person.
Long-Term Practices
Therapists who sustain their compassion practice mindfulness and self-compassion regularly. Grounding becomes not just a tool but a habit—a way of life that nurtures your clinical intuition while preserving emotional energy.
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