Working with children

Years ago when I began offering my healing of the soul work, I didn't aim for working with children. When I was training, I even had comments by other practitioners who said, 'working with children is too hard. Just focus on adults.' Obviously that didn't happen for me - I now work with both women and children/adolescents. And parents were drawn to bringing their child to work with me. What I find amazing about child clients - is that they seem to instantly "get it" regarding the creative processes. They are literally bursting to tell their story.

The parent/guardian who brings them here is concerned for their child - because despite their loving care, they know that something isn't right with their child. They have noticed that their child is not their usual happy self. And they are at a lost to help them. And very worried about what the child might be thinking or feeling.

But from the moment the child enters our back garden, the child becomes curious about the fairy garden which is in the shape of a butterfly, discovering all kinds of flowers and objects and figurines. They love walking over the pebble stream on the little bridge, and up the steps into the studio. And as they walk through the door their eyes light up. To them, they are entering a magical world. It is a safe place for them to explore their problem or worry. It has the same effect on many of the women I work with also.

I don't know what causes the wonder or magic, but it's definitely there and I am grateful. We always begin with a simple hallo, hand washing and straight to the sand tray to start a picture in the sand, accompanied by music. Most children are just itching to begin, and that's how it is best for them. By choosing objects and symbols that are meaningful to them, a picture is created, which helps illuminate the real problem.

It is all done unconsciously, simply and without feeling pressured.

When the picture in the sand is complete, we both look at it and the child is able to tell me the story or stories that are in the sand. We have a little chat as they seem to find it easy to talk to me.

Many times the underlying problem is not anything like the parent/guardian thought it might be.* But something about the sand and creative processes allows the child to let go and share from the heart. They then do a drawing that is related to the tray - and sometimes a solution becomes very obvious.

We then ask parent/guardian to come in so that the child can proudly show what they have done or discovered. And with my support, the child is able to express what the real problem is and what is on their heart that is making them sad or upset. Many times there is grief involved. Especially if they are missing a loved one or loved pet. Or perhaps a friend has moved away and the parent/guardian does not realise how deep the grief is. There is a sense of great loss. Most times the parent/guardian is very surprised, but then grateful that they know and can take steps towards helping their child or a solution or whatever it is.

This is how I support children with the help of their parent/guardian. And the parent/guardian discovers something about their child that they didn't know - and a new connection is built that supports them as a family.

This is a wonder and a privilege. At the end of the session, the child loves to take a special glass pebble and make a wish in the pond under the shade of the beautiful flowering ash tree. Integrating in the garden setting brings calm and normality and a sense of freedom.

Sandplay and Art Therapy processes help when words are not enough.

You are so much more than you imagine.

*These processes are also helpful for deep trauma. I have worked with a number of children over the years who have suffered deep trauma or abuse, and for whom other services have not been able to help. I am comfortable with them sharing as I have been there myself, and I understand. They are able to share what happened to them by using the objects or in drawings. This releases something in them to start a healing process. The benefits continue in ongoing sessions, and they learn lifelong tools of mindfulness and affirmations, release more and more and learn to value themselves and gain inner strength.

Some ways that creative therapies can help (depending on the individual):

- Can help transform anxiety  - Can help build self-esteem - Can help share what is deep within when words are not enough - Can help with focus - Can help with concentration - Can help gain clarity and insight - Can help build self confidence More about therapy for children. How creative therapies can help - benefits

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us

Blue Mountains NSW