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4.6 Trauma-focused treatment
Strong trauma symptoms can put the development of children at risk . It is important to monitor the development of any child that has been traumatised by sexual abuse and provide appropriate support .
If the child continues to struggle , therapies that focus on trauma may be required . Several methods can effectively treat PTSD , including EMDR ( eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing ) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy ( TF CBT ). Please see the guidelines of the International Society for Disease Surveillance ( ISDS ) for more information . This handbook does not describe professional therapies but sets out general principles that are of value .
4.7 Additional tools
EXERCISE
4.7.1 Safe place Aim . To regulate emotions
The safe space exercise can be a good tool for a child . It can help a child to stay within its window of tolerance , able to avoid being overwhelmed by negative emotions such as fear and anger .
Sometimes when we are upset , we might imagine a calm place or a time that makes us feel better . Imagine such a place . It might be somewhere real where you have been , somewhere you have read about in a story , or somewhere that you invent and make up yourself .
Take several deep steady breaths . Close your eyes and carry on breathing normally . Bring up a picture of your Safe Place and imagine that you are standing or sitting there . Can you see yourself there ? In your imagination , look about you . What do you see ? What do you see nearby ? Take in the detail , see the materials it is made of . The different colours . Imagine reaching out and touching it . How does it feel ? Now look further away . See the colours , shapes , and shadows . This is your Safe Place and you can imagine it whenever you like . When you are there , you feel calm and peaceful . Imagine your bare feet on the ground . What does the ground feel like ? Walk around slowly , notice the things around you . Observe how they look and how they feel . What can you hear ? Perhaps the gentle sound of the wind , or birds , or nature . Can you feel the warm sun on your face ? Can you smell flowers perhaps , or your favourite meal being cooked ? In your Safe Place , you can see the things you want , and imagine touching and smelling them , and hearing pleasant sounds . You feel calm and happy .
HELP AND ACTION
Now imagine that someone special is with you in your place . [ This might be a fantasy figure or someone that makes you feel strong and calm .] This is someone who is there to be a good friend and to help you , someone strong and kind . Now imagine you are walking around and exploring your Safe Place slowly with this person . You feel happy to be with this person , who is good in solving problems .
In your imagination , look round once more . Have a good look . Remember that this is your Safe Place . It will always be there . You can always imagine being there when you want to feel calm , secure , and happy . Your helper will always be there whenever you want . Now get ready to open