I have just started with a new T after my ex T left her practise. My ex T was really good at helping me get grounded in session when I dissociated. She was really good at noticing when it happened and helping to bring me out of it by focusing on the room, different colors, different objects, different textures things like that.
New T works in a room that is empty and bare. There is nothing to focus on, no color, no objects, just a table, chairs and bare walls. Ex T must have told her how she helps me get grounded because new t does the same. She says "look around you, what do you see?" NOTHING! "Can you count things in the room? " (There is nothing to count??) . She also says "Tell me how old you are, tell me what year it is." (Ex T used to ask stuff like that too but it worked when she said it)
My problem is nothing new T says or does helps, even though it is the same as what ex T did. Everything new T does seems really empty and "nothing". That feeling of "nothing" is a big trigger for me in itself.
Anyway I need to find a way to help get myself grounded in this new room with this new T. I thought about taking some play doh with me, taking a soft scarf or something, maybe a fidget toy or something with a pleasant smell. We sit at a massive empty table so having things on the table in front of me might help.
Any other ideas out there? What helps you get grounded when you dissociate or switch in therapy?