Then and Now: Orienting to the Present
A grounding worksheet contrasting the trauma context with the present across place, age, people, abilities and safety cues, with a self-statement.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Grounding · Discrimination
- Approach / concern
- Trauma & PTSD
- Technique
- Grounding · Discrimination
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Then and Now: Orienting to the Present?
Trigger discrimination helps people with PTSD distinguish current safe contexts from past trauma, reducing the sense of current threat during re-experiencing.
Why it works
Stimulus discrimination is a technique in cognitive therapy for PTSD (Ehlers & Clark, 2000). Sensorimotor approaches emphasize orienting to the present (Ogden et al., 2006).
When to use it
- Flashbacks and intrusions
- Triggered reactions
- Grounding practice
- Childhood trauma
How to use it in session
- Pick a common trigger.
- Fill in then and now.
- Practise reading it aloud.
- Create a phrase.
- Use when triggered.
Clinician tips
- Keep the ‘then’ column brief.
- Include sensory present cues.
- Pair with orienting exercises.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my body react as if it’s happening now?
Trauma memories can be stored without a time stamp, so reminders trigger present-feeling reactions.
Can I use this during a flashback?
Yes, especially once you’ve practised it when calm.
References
Ehlers, A., & Clark, D. M. (2000). A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38(4), 319-345.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
