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At the end , bring your discussion to a positive conclusion . The helper : “ We have to finish for today soon . So let ’ s draw your house of the future .”
“ What and who should be in your good house in the future .”
Note . Sometimes a traumatised child is not able to think about the future . Drawing and playing future scenarios is an important part of the healing process .
4.7.4 Using a box with a lid
The helper can use this exercise to end a session and make the child feel safer about what has been said . Always end with some words of praise .
The helper : “ I know that this was hard for you . You have been very brave . Well done !”
HELP AND ACTION
“ Before we finish , let us make a drawing ( or a little story ) about what happened to you , the things we have talked about that scared you ( use the word the child has used for the abuse ) and put it in this box and close it with a lid . Then I can keep it in a safe place here .”
“ We can open it when we want to . But in the meantime , it will stay locked up . Until you feel like talking again . We will know that it is safe here .”
4.7.5 Worry time
A child who has spoken to someone about frightening things is likely to feel worried and anxious afterwards .
Say to the child that it is not always possible to forget every worry , but a person can set a worrytime , for example between 5.45 and 6 pm .
The helper : “ If you do that , when a worrying thought comes along , you can say to it : ‘ Hello , I hear you , but you will have to wait until quarter to six . Then I will attend to you ’.”
4.7.6 Role play and symbolisation
These tools help children to tolerate their mixed feelings with regard to the perpetrator .
When a child has told the story of its abuse and the story has been recognised by adults , the child may need to explore and distinguish the different feelings it has for the perpetrator . This is because the perpetrator is sometimes someone the child is very fond of , someone close . Even though the abuser has betrayed the child ’ s trust , the child may still have warm feelings for him or her .