Michaela Gross's experience with therapy blankets
"As a trauma therapist, I recommend the blankets for sleep/anxiety and panic disorders. It helps patients to be able to feel themselves again."
How did you come across the therapy blanket concept?
I have already heard from several patients who use it successfully to get significantly better sleep.
How do you personally experience using a weighted blanket?
I had specially ordered the summer model, but unfortunately it is still much too warm under the blanket for me, so it rather disturbed me. But that is certainly due to the summer nights and heated apartment. I found the weight of the blanket extremely pleasant; the "gentle" pressure from the weight of the blanket is very pleasant – almost calming.
In which medical fields do you think the use of therapy blankets is sensible?
In my opinion, this is well suited for people who are in the sympathetic state (depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, burnout & stress, etc.) and can relax and be calmed down more through the gentle pressure. The blankets can certainly help children and adolescents, for example, with attachment disorders, ADHD, etc., to create a feeling of security, because children with these traumas do not get exactly that. Furthermore, I would also like to use this blanket for relaxation sessions.
Where are you already successfully using therapy blankets? And where do you still see potential / need?
Since I am trained not only in trauma therapy but also as a hypnotherapist, I have already covered 2 patients with it and been able to put them into trance. The patients report that the "weight" of the blanket was quickly adapted to and was perceived as pleasant and supportive during hypnosis. In hypnosis as well as in trauma therapy (e.g., PiTT), it is initially about a feeling of safety. Both therapy approaches work with inner images. Due to the weight of the blanket, the physiological – autonomic calming in my opinion – takes place significantly faster. The breathing rate regulates more easily for my patients. My patients relax significantly faster and can better concentrate on their inner images.
Your conclusion from a personal or medical perspective
My conclusion is definitely that the therapy blankets can effectively downregulate the autonomic nervous system and have an absolutely pleasant weight. Comfortable for falling asleep for anxiety/trauma patients, as it feels like a hug that can positively affect sleep hygiene. Patients who are afraid of falling asleep can be "held" this way and get a positive feeling of being "held." Children with problems falling asleep and staying asleep can certainly "relearn" how to sleep with it. And in my opinion, a clinical diagnosis does not have to be present as an indication for the therapy blanket – it is also valid to work with it preventively!