This is one that I used with children in my counseling practice. I would have them tell me their 5 senses and then have them list 5 things they could see, hear, feel, smell, and taste (although taste is often hard to do). Repeat the exercise with 4 things using all senses, 3 things, 2 things, and 1 thing. The trick is to make them state things that they can actually see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. This helps with keeping children in the here and now. It also helps with reducing any emotional issues going on at that time. This can be shortened to 3 things, 2 things, 1 thing for children that are younger. I have used this with acting out kids, kids that need a break from their emotions, and for centering.

Note: this is also effective when you do it yourself or you guide adults through it.
Source(s):
This is a skill I learned through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which was developed by Martha Linnehan.

Permalink | Report