Collaborative Stabilization Skill Cards

How to use it

1. Choose a card collaboratively; you do not need to try every category.
2. Agree on a stop signal and try the option for a short, adjustable time.
3. Notice whether it feels neutral, helpful, unhelpful, or activating without judging the response.
4. Stop, orient to the room, or seek support whenever needed.

Reflection prompts

• What made this option more or less workable today?
• What should be changed, avoided, or supported next time?

Facilitator guidance

Select skills from an individualized formulation and current assessment rather than assigning a standard sequence. Avoid surprise, performance pressure, breath reliance, intense body focus, or unsupervised use when the participant needs more support.

Adaptations & accessibility

• Change duration, posture, sensory channel, proximity, or environment.
• Use only external orienting and routine cards.
• Create personalized cards with explicit stop and support instructions.

Review considerations

Enhanced licensed trauma-specialist review required before use. Cards must be assigned collaboratively and are not a substitute for individualized assessment, treatment, or urgent support.