Crisis Intervention Basics for Kids: Teaching Children Self-Care Skills
At Mental Wellness Innovations and Health Frontiers (both are non-profit organizations), Drs. Karen Olness and Tim Culbert, have collaborated for 20 years, on providing mental health “first-aid” to children all over the world. The idea started when Tim was working at Children’s Minnesota on non -drug interventions for kids with cancer, and Karen was working to support children in SE Asia (and elsewhere) deal with various crisis situations (floods, poverty, famine, war, and more). Dr. Olness has created and delivered a “Pediatric Crisis Intervention Curriculum” all over the world for the last 30+ years. The goal is stabilize and begin the healing process for children living with trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic or stressful events that occur in a child's life before the age of 18, potentially impacting their health and well-being. These experiences can include abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and exposure to substance use or mental illness in the household, among other factors.
Crisis intervention for children with a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) involves providing immediate support and guidance during a crisis, focusing on ensuring safety and addressing the child's emotional needs. It's crucial to provide a safe, stable, and predictable environment, and to connect the child with resources that can help them cope and heal.
Here's a more detailed look at crisis intervention for children with ACEs
1. Immediate Safety and Support
Ensure safety: Prioritize the child's immediate safety by removing them from the source of the crisis.
Provide a calm and predictable environment: Make sure the child feels safe and supported in their surroundings.
Create a routine: Establish a routine that includes predictable meals, bedtime, and activities to help the child feel more in control and secure.
Connect with support: Make sure the child has access to supportive individuals or resources, such as a trusted family member, counselor, or support group.
2. Addressing Emotional Needs
Active listening: Listen to the child's experiences without judgment and validate their feelings.
Emotional regulation skills: Help the child learn to identify and manage their emotions, such as through relaxation techniques, deep breathing, or expressive activities.
Self-soothing strategies: Encourage the child to develop self-soothing strategies, such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, or cuddling with a favorite toy.
Trauma-informed approach: Acknowledge that the child may have experienced trauma and approach them with patience and understanding.
3. Connecting with Resources
Mental Health Services: Connect the child with mental health professionals who can provide therapy and support, such as therapists who specialize in trauma or ACEs.
Support Groups: Encourage the child to participate in support groups where they can connect with others who have similar experiences.
Crisis Hotlines: Provide the child with the phone number of a crisis hotline, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
Community Resources: Help the child find other community resources that can support them, such as food banks, housing programs, or educational programs.
4. Prevention and Resilience
Promoting Positive Experiences: Encourage positive experiences, such as playing with bubbles, reading, or spending time with loved ones, to help the child build resilience.
Strengthen Family Relationships: Support the child's family relationships by encouraging open communication, active listening, and mutual respect.
Foster Social Supports: Connect the child with caring adults who can provide guidance and support, such as mentors, teachers, or coaches.
Early Intervention: Early intervention is essential to reducing the long-term impact of ACEs.
Creating Resilience Activating Childhood Experiences
To foster resilience in children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or trauma, it's crucial to create a safe and nurturing environment, provide consistent support, and help children develop coping skills. These strategies include building strong relationships, establishing routines, promoting self-care, and encouraging positive self-view.
1. Create a Safe and Nurturing Environment
Stable and Predictable Routines: Establish consistent routines and schedules to provide a sense of security and predictability.
Affection and Positive Reinforcement: Show affection, offer encouragement, and acknowledge positive behavior to build a sense of belonging and worth.
Manage Reactions to Stress: Be mindful of your own stress and how it impacts the child. Practice self-care and seek support when needed.
Encourage Ongoing Relationships with Trusted Adults: Foster connections with caring adults who can offer support and guidance.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Connect with Others: Encourage children to build and maintain positive relationships with peers and family.
Model Healthy Relationships: Demonstrate healthy communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
Seek Support from Professionals: Don't hesitate to reach out to therapists, counselors, or other professionals for help.
3. Promote Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
Teach Emotional Literacy: Help children identify and name their emotions. Provide opportunities for them to express their feelings in healthy ways.
Teach Self Regulation Techniques: Introduce practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical activity to help children manage stress.
Empower Children: To Help Others Engage children in activities that allow them to feel useful and make a positive impact. This is especially true when working with adolescents.
Teach Problem Solving Skills: Help children develop skills to identify problems, generate solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.
4. Foster a Positive Self-View
Nurture a Positive Self-Image: Help children recognize their strengths and abilities. Encourage them to celebrate their accomplishments.
Focus on Strengths and Coping Mechanisms: Help children remember past successes and how they have overcome challenges in the past.
Teach Self-Care: Encourage children to engage in activities that promote their wellbeing, such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques.
5. Seek Professional Support
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Seek out therapists trained in trauma-informed care to help children process their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can be helpful for children who are struggling with negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a specialized therapy that can be effective for processing traumatic memories.
6. Create a Sense of Safety and Belonging:
Safe Environment: Ensure that children feel safe at home, school, and in the community.
Community Resources: Connect children and families with community resources that can provide support and assistance.
Promote a Sense of Purpose: Help children find meaning in their lives by encouraging them to pursue their interests and passions.
7. Prioritize Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers
Manage Stress: Parents and caregivers need to prioritize their own wellbeing in order to effectively support children.
Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or support groups.
Engage in Self-Care Activities: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
By implementing these strategies, parents and caregivers can help children develop resilience and overcome the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
Eventually Providing Psychotherapies and Psychiatric Expertise
Some children may benefit from psychiatric interventions including medications. Many children in crisis could benefit from menta health counselling.
The most common psychotherapy techniques for children experiencing trauma include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). TF-CBT is a structured therapy that helps children process their trauma, develop coping skills, and address associated symptoms like nightmares and flashbacks. CPT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event. EMDR uses rhythmic eye movements to help process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is a structured therapy that involves psychoeducation, skill building, and gradual exposure to trauma-related memories and situations.
It aims to help children manage their emotions, develop coping skills, and process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
TF-CBT often includes parent involvement, providing parents with psychoeducation and skills to support their child's recovery.
It is a well-researched and evidence-based treatment for children with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a specific type of CBT that focuses on challenging and modifying unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event.
It helps children identify and reframe negative cognitions about themselves, the event, and the world.
CPT can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as TF-CBT.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR utilizes rhythmic eye movements to help process and desensitize traumatic memories.
It is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as TF-CBT.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for children who are experiencing intense emotional distress or flashbacks.
Other Considerations:
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP): This therapy focuses on strengthening the relationship between a child and their caregiver, particularly for younger children who have experienced trauma.
Family Therapy: Family therapy can be beneficial for addressing family dynamics and providing support for the child and caregivers.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT can be helpful for older adolescents who are struggling with selfharm or suicidal thoughts.
Group Therapy: Group therapy can provide children with a sense of community and support, allowing them to share their experiences with others.
It is important to note that the most effective therapy for a child with trauma will depend on their individual needs, age, and the nature of the trauma they have experienced. A qualified therapist can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach for the child.
Mental Wellness Innovations Feel Better Packs Can help Kids Sleep
Mental Wellness Innovations (MWI) was launched to bring sources of relief, comfort, resilience, and support to children around the world affected by natural disasters, financial or food impoverishment, and various forms of trauma experienced by children. Our Feel Better Packs combine Mind/Body skills with practice strategies for children ages 6-12 years to make skill practice more fun. The self-care skills children engage in by using the Feel Better Pack, helps them to begin the healing process.
To learn more about how you can help, contact www.mentalwellnessinnovations.org.
We look forward to your involvement and engagement.