When we encounter an individual who has been impacted by trauma, it is very difficult to try to explain some of their behavior. They can be unpredictable, panicked, withdrawn, hyperactive or even violent. Some of their emotions may seem out of control or swing back and forth from calm to hypervigilant and back again. When […]
Helping Children Cope With Their Fears
So here comes Halloween, with all the many scary images and experiences that children are exposed to. How many children become overwhelmed by the terror of believing some of the people in costume are real: the ghosts and witches and monsters. Trying to be logical often doesn’t work (“It’s okay, honey, it’s just make-believe!”). Being […]
Tickling; A Form of Trauma?
I have very clear memories of being a young child tortured by my brother who tickled me unmercifully whenever he could. I can remember the sensations of helplessness and desperation, wanting to cry, scream, get away and him sitting on me, laughing while he tickled even harder. He was four years older and capable of […]
