It was a GREAT session. We learned a couple new and fun games to play and I wanted to share 1 of them with you. Even if you don't think your adopted child has any attachment issues -play this with them. Play it with your bio kids! My 3 had THE BEST time playing this!!! Of course it's supposed to be between Elizabeth and I or Elizabeth and daddy...but for the sake of pics and video I used Andrew and Becca. :)
Use a cotton ball or a "puff" ball you can get at a craft store.
There are 2 versions of this game we call Air Hockey:
Version 2: Same thing-opposite sides, puff ball in middle...but this time you each get a straw and try to blow the puff around with the straw.
I'm telling you -the kids giggled SO hard they could hardly blow!
Can I just say how glad I am that we have found not only a great therapist, but a great approach to Elizabeth's attachment?
There are 2 schools of thought out there ~1 centers around "holding time" and the other around play -called "theraplay".
I know some people have used holding time and have seen it work..the synopsis of this is to hold the child, usually against their will, and as the child (and/or you) becomes agitated, you can work thru calming down together. I tried this for a few months with Elizabeth and it just didn't work. I read the book over and over trying to figure out what I was doing wrong...and it just didn't work for us.
As soon as we started this "new school" of thought attachment therapy-thera-play, we saw huge strides in Elizabeth. I LOVE that the groundwork for this therapy is play, love and nurturing. All things you would of course do with the "old school" of thought but just without the forced holding.
I LOVE that we leave each therapy/counseling session with new games and tools to use with Elizabeth -and even for Andrew and Rebecca.
I know this is getting long...but can I also say how WELL Elizabeth did?! In the past, the therapy/counseling sessions have been emotionally draining on her and she will instantly fall asleep on our way home (regardless of the time of day) AND she will have a few really ROUGH days following therapy -just too intense for her.
Not only did Elizabeth NOT fall asleep on our way home, she has not had any rough days so far. Maybe a few rough moments here and there...but nothing like before. PRAISE THE LORD!!
We are seeing HUGE strides in her attachment....perfect timing since our dossier should be in Ethiopia by Christmas. :)
4 comments:
That looks like so much fun!
That is wonderful news about E, I am so glad she's doing much better.
Also soooooooo very excited your dossier is almost done!
Thank you for posting the tools you are being given in Theraplay. We are still praying that we will be able to start this type of therapy with our little one someday soon. When you share what you are learning, it is such an encouragement for me. ;)Thank you...and we are praying for you and honestly amazed at your willingness to dive in again and give all you have to His kids!
We did something similar! Thank you so much for sharing these... I know they will help others.
Hi there. Just wanted to drop by and take a stroll around you blog. I'm so glad I did. I love reading parent's notes from the field on attachment. Always something to gleen for my use ;-) Thanks!
I just want to say I'm excited for your progress and wish you continued success.
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