Exciting New Projects!

With a successful launch of “Sam Feels Better Now! An Interactive Story for Children” I am working on several new projects (along with juggling a full time job, hehe!). Two main projects are a children’s picture book for children who have experienced divorce, and the second one is a manual for therapist on how to run a children’s support group for domestic violence survivors. I am especially excited about the children’s support group manual. I am hoping to use the material to start giving some workshops in the future. I can’t wait to see it come together! 

Reflections on a Support Group

One of the most difficult and rewarding things that I experienced as an intern was running a support group for children who have experienced domestic violence. I have had the opportunity now to look back and rethink how the group was structured, and to integrate principles of crisis intervention, play therapy, and group work into a format that I believe is ideal for using support groups with children as a crisis intervention. It is a structured approach, which is in contrast to a traditional child-centered play group. However I used child centered principles in communicating with children during group, such as tracking their behavior, reflecting feelings, setting limits, and providing encouragement. This way of communicating with children, I believe provides a safe, stable environment, and shows caring and empathy for each child.

So, Who is this Book for Anyway?

I have had many questions about my book, Sam Feels Better Now, over the past few months. Who is it for? Is it for parents? Is it for therapists? Is it for the child to read?  People want to know how this book will make the most impact on a child’s life. It is the intention of this book to be a tool for therapists, and other adults who may be working with children who have experienced a variety of issues. These issues include experiencing a crisis, traumatic event, or grief.  Sam’s character experiences something scary or awful, and it is intentionally left up to the reader to define what that is. That way, children who experience many different situations can relate to Sam’s character. Examples of children who will benefit are those who have experienced abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters, or car accidents. Therapists and caregivers may find this book useful for other situations children experience that are not listed here. 

%d bloggers like this: