Glimmers: Small Moments of Safety That Support Nervous System Regulation
Trauma-informed care has increasingly emphasized the role of the nervous system in shaping emotional regulation, stress responses, and overall psychological well-being. Much clinical attention has historically focused on triggers , stimuli that activate threat responses and dysregulate the nervous system. However, an emerging complementary concept known as glimmers offers a strengths-based lens for understanding how safety and regulation can be cultivated in daily life. Glimmers are small, often subtle moments that signal safety to the nervous system. Though brief, these experiences play a meaningful role in supporting regulation, resilience, and healing, particularly for individuals with trauma histories. Defining Glimmers The term glimmer refers to micro-moments that activate the nervous system’s sense of safety. While not a formal diagnostic construct, glimmers are conceptually aligned with polyvagal theory and contemporary trauma research. They are experiences that cue the ne...
