PEACE Resource for Trauma Activation

The PEACE resource created by Pat Ogden is helpful for regulating trauma-based responses, in particular meant to help modulate intense emotional/physical responses to ongoing trauma in the world. A handout for this resource can be downloaded here.

PEACE includes the following steps:

Pause and identify what you may be experiencing in your body - this can include muscle tension, weakness, shaking, fast heart rate, numbness, rapid breathing, feeling disconnected/as if things are unreal, and more

Embody a somatic resource that can support your body, and feels right for you. It can be helpful to practice somatic resources outside of when your body is overly activated, so that you can find one or a combination of resources that are most effective for you.

• Somatic resources can include: looking around the room and naming objects or colours, grounding your feet, lengthening your spine, breathing into your belly, placing a hand on your heart, humming, splashing cold water on your face

Acknowledge the positive effects of this resource - really see if you can notice your heart rate settling, your breathing getting deeper, feeling more settled, or feeling more present in your body and less numb

Concentrate your attention on this resource and how it has brought you greater regulation in your body for 15 seconds or more. Really notice the internal signals and sensations that help you realize the effect this resource has had on you.

Engage with your environment - connect to your surroundings a bit more, and see if you can notice some of the sights and smells around you - feel the air on your skin, drink some water or eat, and overall engage your senses in the present moment