With the context of play, trauma can be expressed exactly as it happened with consciousness from the kiddo or through the unconscious brain in a different story set up.
During play, kiddos are the experts in their story and are able to play it out from different viewpoints and are given the opportunity to explore if something different had happened. One thing that parents and carers ask a lot is 'can you take the trauma away?' This is never an easy question to answer but when you address and confront the feelings of the trauma we are able to reduce the effects on the kiddo of the trauma. I explain that I can not go back in time and take the trauma away but what can hopefully happen is that the consequences of the trauma (the feelings and reactions) that surface more manageable and not have the tidal wave of emotions engulf them completely.
I have witnessed kiddos with trauma play it out in front of me which has been a very powerful experience in an array of different ways from musical performances, epic battles in the sand tray to being told by the kiddo to 'eat the dog poo' (being handed an empty plate.) I have also witnessed a mix of reactions from the kiddos when this play finishes of shock, embarrassment, and relief.
Watching and being part of this play can need a lot of emotional regulation for the kiddos as well as for myself. this can be in the form of mindful breathing, reflecting on how difficult this must be for the kiddo, and offering to do some breathing together. Depending on where the kiddo is within the therapeutic journey I may suggest if there could be a helper within the situation so that they could see how the situation might be different.
It is through these experiences in the playroom with a therapist that kiddos get to experience these tidal waves with a lifeguard right next to them that has total belief in them and being strong enough to weather the tidal wave with them until they can master surfing it for themselves.
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