#174 How to feel grounded when we're overwhelmed or dysregulated using ventral vagal spaces and touchstones, with Dr Jan Eppingstall
01/31/25 • 74 min
- Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
- Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
- Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
In today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I explore how to create a ventral vagal space or touchstone to help us regulate our emotions, drawing inspiration from the work of Deb Dana and polyvagal theory. We look at how we can find or create areas within our home, and objects we can use on the go, that provide safety and connection, allowing us to feel grounded and manage overwhelming moments. We'll look at the emotional significance of objects, avoiding those that glower at us, and instead creating spaces filled with comfort and warmth.
- Creating Your Own Ventral Vagal Space
- Permission Slip segment
- Discussion about photographic portraits
- Emotions associated with the portraits
- Objects as Memories
- Significant memories vs. happy memories
- Harriet Impey's notion of "glowering" objects
- Emotional Impact of Objects
- Portraits as a reminder of insecurity
- Ventral Vagal Space Concept
- Use of Deb Dana's work in polyvagal theory
- Connection between emotional safety and physical space
- Explanation of Polyvagal Theory
- Breakdown of the nervous system's stages: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal
- Relevance of Polyvagal Theory to Hoarding
- Trauma and its relation to object attachment
- Challenges of decision-making in a cluttered environment
- Deb Dana's Home Analogy - Comparison of home systems to body's autonomic systems
- Integration needed for a "full life" and connection
- Practical Application of Ventral Vagal Spaces
- Creating nourishing home spaces
- Abundance
- Importance of Touchstones
- Explanation and significance of touchstones
- Examples of personal or portable calming items
- Creating a Ventral Vagal Space or Touchstone
- Starting small by identifying objects that bring safety and contentment
- Using childhood memories to influence current safe spaces
- Applications and Benefits
- Using the space for emotional regulation
- Touchstones as portable reminders of safety
- Recognising objects that already serve as touchstones
- Importance of awareness and observation in identifying touchstones
- Utilising Resources for Grounding
- Examples of resources: lava lamps, messages, certain sounds
- Strategies for implementing these resources in daily life
- Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
- Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
- Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
In today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I explore how to create a ventral vagal space or touchstone to help us regulate our emotions, drawing inspiration from the work of Deb Dana and polyvagal theory. We look at how we can find or create areas within our home, and objects we can use on the go, that provide safety and connection, allowing us to feel grounded and manage overwhelming moments. We'll look at the emotional significance of objects, avoiding those that glower at us, and instead creating spaces filled with comfort and warmth.
- Creating Your Own Ventral Vagal Space
- Permission Slip segment
- Discussion about photographic portraits
- Emotions associated with the portraits
- Objects as Memories
- Significant memories vs. happy memories
- Harriet Impey's notion of "glowering" objects
- Emotional Impact of Objects
- Portraits as a reminder of insecurity
- Ventral Vagal Space Concept
- Use of Deb Dana's work in polyvagal theory
- Connection between emotional safety and physical space
- Explanation of Polyvagal Theory
- Breakdown of the nervous system's stages: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal
- Relevance of Polyvagal Theory to Hoarding
- Trauma and its relation to object attachment
- Challenges of decision-making in a cluttered environment
- Deb Dana's Home Analogy - Comparison of home systems to body's autonomic systems
- Integration needed for a "full life" and connection
- Practical Application of Ventral Vagal Spaces
- Creating nourishing home spaces
- Abundance
- Importance of Touchstones
- Explanation and significance of touchstones
- Examples of personal or portable calming items
- Creating a Ventral Vagal Space or Touchstone
- Starting small by identifying objects that bring safety and contentment
- Using childhood memories to influence current safe spaces
- Applications and Benefits
- Using the space for emotional regulation
- Touchstones as portable reminders of safety
- Recognising objects that already serve as touchstones
- Importance of awareness and observation in identifying touchstones
- Utilising Resources for Grounding
- Examples of resources: lava lamps, messages, certain sounds
- Strategies for implementing these resources in daily life
Previous Episode
#173 9 things that are working for me when tackling hoarding and over-acquiring right now
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- Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
- Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
- Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
In today's episode, I'm sharing nine strategies that are making a real difference in managing my hoarding behaviour and curbing over-acquiring right now. From tricks to overcome perfectionism and opening a daunting pile of letters to finding support in unexpected places and even leveraging a cute app, these tactics are moving me forward.
Join me as I lay out what's working, in the hope it sparks a few ideas for you too.
- Opening 100 unopened letters
- Overcoming fear and procrastination
- Sorting coins and dealing with obsolete items
- Decision-making process in letting go
- Recognising dehoarding as self-kindness, not punishment
- Benefits of having a friend who knows the hoarding situation
- Managing perfectionism and doing things imperfectly
- Using the "hummingbird method" for tasks
- Introduction and use of the Finch app for self-care
- Using virtual assistants for task reminders
- Success with excessive mug collection and food cupboards
- Impact of the documentary "Buy Now" on purchasing habits
- Changing relationship with the inner critic
- Overcoming Mail Anxiety Milestone
- Kindness, Not Chore
- Embrace Imperfection for Future Growth
- Hands-Free Task Management
- Best-before dates at the start of the year
- Consumerism Documentary
- Curbing Instant Gratification
Next Episode
#175 Taking the scary first steps: the courage to call a professional organiser, with Jasmine Sleigh
- Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
- Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
- Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
In this episode, I'm joined by Jasmine Sleigh, professional declutterer, as we discuss the daunting first steps of reaching out for professional help in tackling hoarding. Jasmine shares insights into what prompts individuals to make that initial call and the courage it takes, alongside practical strategies for working with organisers. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on overcoming fears and building trust for positive change in managing clutter.
- Inviting Professional Help
- Jasmine explains common motivators for people to seek help
- Specific incidents or realisations prompting action
- Example scenarios like misplaced items or repairs
- The Initial Call to a Professional Organiser
- What typically prompts the call for professional help
- Jasmine's perspective on admiration for those who reach out
- The importance of taking calls seriously and with empathy
- Engaging with Potential Clients
- Approach to initial conversations with potential clients
- Building trust and understanding the client's situation
- Establishing client needs and potential outcomes
- Assessing the Client’s Home
- How Jasmine gathers information about the client's home
- Importance of assessing without judgment
- Considering client interaction with their items and living space
- Professional Organiser-Client Dynamics
- Respecting clients’ preferences and leading decisions
- Balancing professional insight with client autonomy
- Working towards the client's goals and priorities
- Process from Inquiry to Working Together
- Steps from initial inquiry to in-home visit
- Managing client expectations and realities
- Ensuring client comfort and readiness
- In-Home Visit Experience
- Jasmine’s mindset and approach during a home visit
- Avoiding overwhelm and maintaining professionalism
- Logistical and emotional assessments of the client’s environment
- Judgment and Perception in the Decluttering Process
- Being conscious of non-verbal cues and judgments perceived by clients
- Strategies for maintaining client comfort and trust
- Determining Fit and Referrals
- Assessing fit between client and professional organiser
- Referring clients to other professionals when appropriate
- Dealing with Client Motivations and External Pressures
- Addressing clients seeking help due to external pressures
- Finding a balance between urgency and client readiness
- Ensuring Positive Outcomes and Encouraging Future Engagement
- Creating a sense of achievement for the client
- Fostering positive experiences to encourage future self-help
- Challenges and Responsibilities of Professional Organisers
- Ethical responsibilities and managing client expectations
- Building trust for effective collaboration
- Personal Reflections and Habits for Mental Health
- Jasmine shares personal habits that support her mental health
- Reflection on the importance of reading and self-care activities
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