Calm in the Storm: Therapist Attunement and Self-Regulation When Crises Occur in Session

Moments of crisis (as seen in dramatized therapy sessions) will be viewed and discussed with a focus on how therapists can handle the challenge of remaining attuned to intensely distressed clients while also recognizing and regulating their own stress reactions. When children or adult caregivers experience peaks of hyperarousal – as expressed in many varied forms including anger, terror, and dissociation – the therapist must maintain a dual focus of attunement with the client(s) and themselves. Experienced trauma therapists discuss their own stress reactions, the questions and dilemmas these reactions raise for them, and helpful strategies for remaining fully and effectively present with their clients.