I often sleep in the fetal position. I also rock back and forth (side to side) to get myself to sleep. I can remember doing it from as far back as 4 years old. For me, I think it is a self-soothing method i learned to comfort myself as a child.

It's difficult to know the exact reason why you chose to lay down in the fetal position. But my guess is that lying in the fetal position, with arms and legs curled up around you, gave you enough of a feeling of containment, safety, and protection to allowe you to explore your abuse experiences. Think about when a bear or other animal chases a person and they drop down to their hands and knees and curl up. It's about safety and survival.

I have heard of clients sitting and lying all sorts of way in therapy, including people who have dissociated and attempted to crawl under couches or hide in corners. Some attain safety by covering up with a blanket or a coat over their lap, or by holding a stuffed animal. Others use deep breathing and other coping means to assure themselves that they are safe in t's office.