Safe Spaces are exercises which offer you a mental image of a place where you are more in control. They are imaginative exercises where you 'put yourself' into the chosen space. It doesn't have to be complicated. It could be as simple as your chair or a room you're comfortable in.

Can you think of a memory of somewhere you had a good time or were particularly happy? Bringing that memory to mind might make you smile now as you remember how that past event made you feel. You're having a tangible response to the scene you're recalling. In the same way, your imagination can build a fictional scenario where you have particularly positive feelings. When you have tinnitus, building scenes where you feel in control is really helpful, and you can turn to these imaginary places in your mind and experience the positive physical response you have to it.

Safe spaces are particularly helpful when you're experiencing a sudden rush of anxiety. If you’re feeling threatened, overwhelmed, out of control, or helpless turn to a Safe Space. They can become places of refuge from the stress of tinnitus and you can then use them as touchpoints throughout your day, to help you manage any anxiety or stress.

The selection you'll find here act as a starting point. You’re welcome to develop your own safe space scenarios from environments you enjoy or memories might you have.

Safe spaces use the power of your imagination positively, to help you divert negative thinking or spirals into anxiety; and instead, give you a sense of control.