I worked with a really good trauma CBT T many years ago that taught me grounding techniques for when I was having flashbacks and body memories. They served me well for many years.
Now I am with new, Awesome T and having a hard time not dissociating in session. T and I have agreed that I am always dissociated to some degree in session. When T sees it getting worse or I feel it getting worse we work really hard at getting me more grounded but not much seems to be working. Last session I could feel the chair, the floor under my feet, I could smell the familiar smell of T’s office, I could hear T’s voice but I was still slipping farther and farther back behind my eyes no matter how hard I tried. T could see it and we paused while he asked what would help. He ended up holding my hand which helped me not slip any farther back but it didn’t help get me more grounded either.
T is wonderful and I want to be more present with him but we are both at a bit of a loss. Right now we are dealing with CEN in infancy but there is CPTSD and it is possible that I was born drug addicted. I am not currently on any medications.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Out of the box ideas?