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Exercise . Helping a child to regulate using SOS :
WORK WITH CHILDREN
S Stop and take a few deep breaths . O Orient . Check your surroundings . Where are you ? What do you see ? What do you hear ? S Seek help . Is someone nearby who can support or comfort you ?
EXERCISE
Exercise . Trigger plan
WORK WITH CHILDREN
Agree on a plan to handle trigger with the child , steps that both of you will take to manage triggers . You might discuss :
• How can we make daily life more predictable ? Can we find some safe routines that you trust ?
• Who can support you when you are triggered ? What kind of support will help you most ?
• Are there situations we should avoid ?
• How can we help you to get back to “ here and now ”? For example , does the SOS exercise help you enough ? What else would help ?
• Shall we practise positive self-talk ? Will physical activity and movement help you ?
• Shall we create a safe space you can always go to ?
• Agree activities , “ signs ”, routines , safe spaces .
4.4.4 Reduce intrusive memories
If the child has intrusive memories , there are techniques for gaining more control over memory . Aim to enable the child to control the image or memory , not be controlled by it . Practise the exercise below .
HELP AND ACTION
EXERCISE
Workshop exercise . Aim . To practise controlling intrusive memories . Instructions :
• Form pairs .
• One participant thinks of a disturbing image . The other participant uses the technique to help the first participant to cope .
• Reverse roles .
“ Draw the image you have in your head on this sheet . Imagine being able to change the colour . Can you change the colour to black and white ? Imagine putting the picture in a frame . Imagine being able to move the image in its frame around the sheet . Can you pretend that the image is inside a TV screen ? Can you imagine that you have a button that will turn the TV off ? Is it possible to turn it off , just for a moment ?”