Respond - What we need to do (and not do)
Te Ao Mārama - In the Light
During this phase, the cognitive brain is activated and learning can occur. We can engage those in our care, in conversations and activities which explicitly explore and promote social-emotional learning (SEL), both in terms of prevention strategies as well as equipping all involved to be better prepared for future shifts through the cycle.
Emotional check-ins
Age/stage
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Building emotional vocabulary
Age/stage
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Getting familiar with tools and strategies
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Mapōuriki - Dusk
When a person is triggered with ther body indicating that they are under threat it is an opportunity to be observant. This is a chance to learn the early cues of distress, and where possible (and it is neither always possible nor necessary) to identify any obvious stressors/antecedents. At this juncture, it’s all about what the observer can do and key to this is keeping onself calm - both externally and internally, as well as utilising body positioning and tone of voice to reduce perceptions of threat, and in doing so, working to minimise the likelihood and/or intensity of escalation. It is imperative to remember that the behaviour is not personal - rather and instinctually driven survuval response - stress behaviour, not misbehaviour.
Non-judgemental observations
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Own self-regulation
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Non-threatening approaches
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Te Pō - In the Dark
With the behavioural responses to perceived threat in full swing, we have to keep our calm and presence of mind and be intentional (āta) in the way we move, talk and provide support. It’s important that a person trusted by the distressed remains present so as to not to disconnect the relationship in a time of need - time in, not time out. This is extremely important. It is also during this phase that some of the tools and strategies that have been familiarised during Te Ao Mārama - In the Light may prove useful, depending on how in or out of balance the distressed is/are within the cycle of healing.
Space and Presence
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Co-regulation
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Peace Corner
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Ata Hāpara - Dawn
Reconnecting with self, others, environment, culture and/or spirituality are all ways and means to help with the completion of the cycle, and in doing so bring a sense of safety, peace and calm while also promoting resilience. Which strategies are most effective will depend on each person and what feels right for them. It can take a bit of trial and error to identify preferences and effectiveness of various tools and strategies. How much focus in put on bottom-up and top-down approaaches will depend again, on how balanced or imbalanced the distressed is/are in the cycle of healing and therefore whether you are working to calm the brainstem or can engage the cognitive brain to talk and reason.
Bottom-up strategies
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Top-down strategies
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Other resources
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