(this is used in group homes with children who have behavior and emotional issues)
containing (with a tiny bit of relating):
providing an enclosure of safety and security for all of the big feelings
relating (with a tiny bit of containing):
seeing, understanding and responding to the “true” child
~~~~~
therapeutic parents are:
solid, planted firmly, tuned in, available, seeing, safe, a protector, strong, receptive
“…no matter how unsafe it is on the inside, it’s okay because we are big enough and solid enough to stand it…”
~~~~~
remember:
1. all behavior has meaning
2. behavior and needs go together
3. there is a human being behind each behavior
~~~~~
the need is not met when it is …
ignored
punished
dismissed
met unpredictably
met inaccurately
~~~~~
be the thermostat – regulate the environment
dont be the thermometer – raising the temperature
~~~~~
children need to know that they are …
vital
viable
valuable
~~~~~
