Put your feet in the grass! A guide to Grounding Practices for better patient outcomes.

Format: Online

*This class is pre-approved by NCTRC and CBRTC*
Specialization Area Designation in Behavioral Health

Earn: 1.0 NCTRC and CBRTC pre-approved CE hour (0.1 CEU)

Session Description

This integrative one - hour session introduces grounding practices as powerful tools for managing stress and navigating moments of crisis. Participants will explore practical strategies to support presence and calm, including the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, which engages the five senses to cultivate mindfulness and reduce anxious thoughts. In addition, the session will incorporate creative therapeutic methods such as sand art breathing exercises and watercolor activities to promote relaxation and self-expression. Designed for recreation therapists, educators, and other professionals, this interactive workshop provides both evidence-informed practices and hands-on techniques that can be adapted to a variety of therapeutic and educational settings.

After attending this session participants will be able to:

1. Apply grounding techniques in recreation therapy, educational, or professional settings to help clients and participants manage stress and crisis situations effectively.
2. Identify at least two grounding practices that can be used to reduce stress and increase present-moment awareness.
3. Demonstrate at least 3 grounding techniques to support emotional regulation

Presented by:

Annie Farley, CTRS and Christina Thomson, CTRS

Christina Thomson, Certified Recreation Therapist, has 8 years of experience in acute psychiatric settings, providing compassionate care to individuals in crisis. She specializes in teaching grounding techniques, fostering self-esteem, and promoting personal growth through holistic and mental health–focused practices, and is deeply committed to empowering individuals during challenging times.

Annie Farley, CTRS, RTC, is a nationally and state-certified Recreation Therapist with five years of experience in behavioral health. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and chemical dependency patients, is passionate about holistic practices such as mindfulness, grounding, art, and music, and also serves on the Recreation Therapy Board of Directors, advocating for the field.