Using Stories to Build Bridges With Traumatized Children

Synopsis

Using Stories to Build Bridges with Traumatized Children is full of creative ideas for how you can use stories therapeutically with children in counselling, life story work or direct work.

Psychologist Kim S. Golding shows how you can use stories to build connections with children aged 4-16 and support their recovery from trauma and stress. She illustrates the techniques with 21 stories adapted from her own clinical work with children and families, and explains how you can expand or adapt them to make them more relevant for a particular child. Advice and stories are arranged into sections dealing with common psychological issues, including looking back and moving on, lack of trust and need for attention. Golding also gives invaluable tips for planning stories and life story work, and for storymaking with children. She also describes how stories can be used therapeutically with parents of traumatized children and as a tool for self-reflection by counsellors.

Imaginative and practical, this book will be enormously useful for counsellors, psychologists, therapists and social workers working with traumatized children, and will also be helpful for parents and carers involved in therapeutic parenting.

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children

Summary:
This chapter explores the profound effects of trauma on children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. It highlights the impact on their relationships, self-esteem, and ability to regulate emotions.

Real Example:
Sarah, a 10-year-old girl, experienced severe physical and emotional abuse from her parents. As a result, she has difficulty trusting adults, struggles with anger and self-harm, and often exhibits withdrawn and avoidant behaviors.

Chapter 2: The Role of Storytelling in Trauma Recovery

Summary:
This chapter introduces the therapeutic power of storytelling for traumatized children. Storytelling provides a safe and non-judgmental space for children to process their experiences, make sense of their emotions, and develop coping mechanisms.

Real Example:
In a group therapy session, children take turns telling stories about their experiences with a supportive therapist. Through these stories, they explore their feelings, identify patterns, and learn from each other's coping strategies.

Chapter 3: Using Metaphors and Symbols in Trauma Work

Summary:
This chapter discusses the use of metaphors and symbols to access and express complex trauma-related emotions and experiences. Metaphors and symbols provide a more accessible and less threatening way for children to process their trauma.

Real Example:
A child who has experienced sexual abuse may use the metaphor of a "dark room" to represent the trauma. In storytelling, they can explore the dark room, identify who is responsible, and find a way to let the light in.

Chapter 4: Trauma-Informed Storytelling Techniques

Summary:
This chapter provides practical techniques for incorporating trauma-informed principles into storytelling work. Techniques include establishing a safe and supportive environment, using non-leading questions, and pacing the storytelling process.

Real Example:
A therapist asks children to draw a picture of their trauma and then tells a story based on the picture. By using this technique, the therapist respects the child's boundaries and allows them to control the pace of the storytelling.

Chapter 5: Using Storytelling to Foster Resilience and Healing

Summary:
This chapter emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of storytelling in promoting resilience and healing in traumatized children. Storytelling helps children develop a sense of agency, empowerment, and hope for the future.

Real Example:
A child who has experienced bullying tells a story about a superhero who overcomes challenges and stands up for others. This story helps the child develop a stronger sense of self and believe in their own abilities.

Chapter 6: Storytelling as Advocacy and Social Change

Summary:
This chapter explores the role of storytelling in raising awareness about childhood trauma and advocating for social change. Storytelling can amplify the voices of traumatized children and challenge societal stigma and misconceptions.

Real Example:
A group of children who have experienced foster care collaborate with a writer to create a book that shares their stories and challenges the systems that have failed them. This book becomes a powerful tool for advocacy and raises awareness about the need for reform.