De-Escalation Script

Read this script aloud in a slow, steady, singsong, smiling tone:

“Hi (your name), this is (name of your psychotherapist or loved one).” 

Pause.

“I can’t be there with you right now, so you asked me to make this recording for you.” 

Pause.

“You took psychedelic mushrooms which have distorted your sense of time, but this, too, will pass. Let’s try a grounding exercise.” 

Pause.

“First, what are 5 things you can see? It could be a plant, a picture, a lamp. Notice the size, shape, and color of these things.”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“Second, what are 4 things you can touch? Focus on things that feel comforting, such as the top of your legs, your worry stone, your water bottle, or a blanket. Notice what you feel when you touch the four things. Notice the texture. Is it soft? Rough? Flexible or hard? Heavy or light?”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“Third, what are 3 things you can hear? Listen to the more quiet sounds. You may notice the hum of an air vent, the buzzing of a lamp, your own breath. Notice which sounds bring you a sense of comfort and calm.”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“Fourth, what are 2 things you can smell? It could be the soap on your hands, or the sweat on your shirt.”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“Finally, what’s 1 thing you can taste? It could be your chapstick, or a sip of water.”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“We’re done with the exercise. How do you feel now? Let’s take a breath.”

Pause for one full, slow breath.

“Try to relax, breathe easy, and take good care, and we’ll see each other soon.”