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ROLE PLAY EXERCISE
Role play . The first meeting between a helper and a traumatised child
Practise how to meet a child who has been traumatised by sexual abuse . Helpers need to bear in mind : body language , distance and closeness , cultural codes , the words the child uses , and non-verbal feedback .
Instructions :
• Form pairs . One helper should play the role of the child , the other a helper .
• Agree in advance how old the child is , and its emotional maturity .
• Role play the child ’ s first meeting with the helper .
• If there is time , reverse roles .
THE GOOD HELPER
After the role play has finished , “ brush off ” the roles you assumed and return to being yourselves .
Discuss together how you experienced being a helper and being the child . What worked well and what might you do differently in a real situation ?
2.2 The helper ’ s challenges
The helper is the most important instrument in the “ toolbox ”. If helpers do not function well , other tools will be difficult to use . It is crucial therefore that you are aware of the wear and tear that make your role challenging , and take steps to ensure that you can function optimally .
Working with children who have experienced severe trauma is emotionally challenging , for professionals as well as friends and family . Their stories , mental suffering , and desperation can cause helpers to feel confusion and distress . You can be affected even more strongly because the person before you is a child . Both to protect themselves and to be of use to the child , helpers need to understand traumatisation and trauma reactions .
Empathy is an important quality ; but to be able to take care of children who have been traumatised , helpers must feel for the children in their care but not be overwhelmed by what they have suffered . Helpers need to observe their own reactions too , and decide when they need to withdraw a little or take a break . As a helper , you do not have control over what has happened to a child in the past : but you do have control over the choices you make when you take care of yourself and the child . To protect yourself emotionally , you need to be conscious of your state of mind , how your own history may influence it , and how the suffering of others can affect your mental health . For example , if you have had an experience resembling that of a child who has been abused , you may be triggered when the child talks about its past .
“ As a helper , you do not have control over what has happened to a child in the past : but you do have control over the choices you make when you take care of yourself and the child .”