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(Unfortunately, this presentation was cancelled at the last minute due to unexpected circumstances)
Karen Landmann, C_S.W.
Sanctuary for Families
936 West End Avenue #F7
New York, NY 10024
Children who have witnessed domestic violence show symptoms ranging from aggression and acting-out behaviors to over
compliance and withdrawal. Without intervention children are likely to become either the aggressors or victims of domestic
violence, thus continuing the cycle. The Children's Support Group combines alternative healing modalities with play
therapy and traditional intervention to provide support and crisis intervention for child victim/witnesses of domestic violence.
There are three sections to the group: Exploring Feelings, Identifying Options, and Advocacy. The first section, Exploring
Feelings, helps children to identify the emotions they are experiencing. Various techniques are used, including retelling of
their story, identifying where emotions are in the body, and discussing the impact and usefulness of emotions. Identifying
Options gives children a chance to process these emotions and provides them with different modes of self-expression. Units
on Safety and Preventing Sexual Abuse are covered. Advocacy gives children a chance to bring their learning into the world
beyond, applying their knowledge and experience to help others, this giving it meaning. Writing letters to members of
congress, activism, and Helping Others are part of this section.
An important aspect of the group involves teaching self-care. Many children who have witnessed trauma have lost skills of
self-soothing and comforting. Often the symptoms of PTSD are so pronounced that soothing becomes paramount. This is
taught through alternative healing such as shiatsu and reiki. The children are taught pressure points of shiatsu for themselves
only (there is no touching or other contact involved due to the high prevalence of sexual abuse in this population.
Meditation is also a strong component.
Each session is an individualized unit. They work together as a whole but each can be used independently. The group structure is open, accommodating the transitional nature of a shelter population. The group opens with an introduction. The children speak about one topic, such as "What I did well this week", "What I like about myself', or "My Best Friend". Next there is a stretching exercise, to promote mind/body awareness. Yoga exercises are incorporated. This is followed by the main activity, a selection from the units mentioned above. Next is relaxation, a guided meditation session which may also incorporate other aspects of alternative healing and selfcare. A nutritious snack follows the meditation. Children are taught about how nutrition affects the mind and body and a link is made from eating well to self-care. Finally, a closing session is held. Children discuss what they learn in the session and themes are provided for the children to contemplate during the coming week