Why This Therapeutic Intervention Works
By Caryn Sabes Hacker, ACSW, DCSW
A soft blanket is tucked under a petite chin while a child snuggles into a parental hug. Larger hands open a smaller book and the bedtime ritual begins. An adult voice reads aloud: “Once upon a time…” Even now as a grown-up, these words trigger a quiet reaction as we, too, once again become the child as the boundaries of time and space subtly diminish. Whether it’s the cowboy at the campfire, the camp counselor at the camp-out, the teacher at the head of the classroom, or the therapist at the session of a child, the power of the story and its ability to transform and create is paramount.
The format for helpful story-telling has been useful since the beginning of time, as evidenced through cave drawings and the continued beneficial use of The Bible, Torah, Koran, etc.. The Brothers Grimm utilized the power of story-telling as they warned of childhood dangers and explored youthful fears. Standard nursery rhymes and stories share useful messages transferred to open young minds in a format that can be easily repeated. With the development of the TV, movies, CDs and DVDs, the importance of story-telling has reached monumental heights as millions of children can be accessed through the projection of one idea or story in various formats. The power of the story, with its ability to allow fantasy, creativity, feelings, thought and change continues as a focal medium in a child’s development.
Dr. Bruno Bettleheim’s work in understanding the power of story-telling is highlighted in his signature publication “The Uses of Enchantment.” This historical piece studies the important messages written into such well-known stories as “Hansel and Gretel” and “Little Red Riding Hood.” Childhood developmental milestones, including the development of trust, clarification of values and morals and the comprehension of fantasy vs. fear, are explored by this famous psychiatrist. The power of food, independence, parental control, death and loss, choice, divorce, and violence are only some of the concepts presented in these two childhood stories and explored in Bettleheim’s paper.
Foster Cline, MD, studied attachment and trust development in children and found that several issues could create or impede attachment and trust. Gentle touch, eye contact, physical movement (rocking), warm liquid foods (milk), and ‘need anticipation’ performed by a consistent primary caregiver (usually a parent) helps to create the development of trust and attachment. The presence of pain that the parent cannot alleviate, parental depression, abuse and/or neglect and a lack of the items previously mentioned will cause an inability for childhood trust development. These needs must be met prior to the age of 3 for trust development to naturally occur. Problems in attachment generally require conscious intervention to promote trust development. These concepts are of great importance because trust is the primary cornerstone of healthy emotional growth and development. Without trust, healthy relationships involving love, compassion, empathy, responsibility and security cannot occur.
We know that it is difficult, if not impossible to grow to adulthood without experiencing difficulties and trauma. Events that include divorce, illness, pain and death touch all of our lives and serve as life lessons. In fact, it is important to re-frame from the immediate desire to rescue children in times of crisis but to guide them, instead, into developing their own healing and positive decision-making abilities. This can be a difficult challenge for both the professional and the parent. Children need tools to allow them to create the ability to assist in their own healthy development, including the healing of traumas. Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD continued the work of Freud and Charcot, in studying the effects of childhood trauma and victimization. They found that individuals will repeat the original trauma in an attempt to gain mastery, however, this rarely occurs and the only outcome is continued trauma suffered by the victim and others in their environment. Dr. van der Kolk identified the trauma suffered by Walt Disney following the death of his mother at a young age as an example of this phenomenon. Disney’s trauma has been revisited, according to van der Kolk, in the stories of Bambi, Dumbo, Cinderella and others in which the main character’s mother dies. Additionally, he adds that the childhood accidental finding of a deceased body may have been instrumental in the future career choice of Stephen King, as he repeatedly writes of this initial traumatizing experience. “Re-enactment of victimization is a major cause of violence” writes van der Kolk. It is not uncommon for perpetrators of violent crimes to have been physically or sexually abused as children. Therefore, it is important to attempt to heal violent, painful and difficult memories for children at a young age to offset the repetitive qualities of trauma that can lead to self-destructive or other-destructive behaviors.
Therapeutic story-telling offers a healing medium that allows children the ability to learn, feel and know through the assistance of their imagination. Instead of experiencing vulnerability and helplessness first-hand, the child can learn through the difficult situation encountered by the main character and emotionally grow as the character develops. The child therefore becomes empowered as the character does the same, through a sense of identification with the primary character. The key concepts for therapeutic story-telling (as outlined by Susan Perrow, M. Ed.), metaphor and/or props, journey and resolution are necessary elements for successful story-telling and therapeutic resolution. Concepts necessary for healthy trust development are woven into the story-line to allow healing and change at a deep level. Imagination is a powerful tool in the mind of a child and when stimulated can be instrumental in allowing growth and healing without denial and opposition. This widely accepted and effective treatment allows for change by approaching a child through ‘a side window’ instead of beating at the ‘front door’ of their mind and defenses.
Therapeutic storytelling is an easy means of addressing difficult topics with children. Proven and effective sound psychological theory is quietly woven into the storyline. The hard work of trying to determine how to address a specific topic has been done for you. Caring adults, in essence, then have a professional helping them quietly work through difficult topics with children. It provides a springboard for discussion and guidance, allowing for positive change that affects self-esteem, trust development, value clarification and decision-making.
The power of the story, with its ability to allow fantasy, creativity, feelings, thought and change continues as a natural focal experience in a child’s development. Coupled with quiet psychological theory it offers a healing medium that allows children the ability to learn, feel and know through the assistance of their imagination.
Caryn Sabes Hacker, ACSW, DCSW, began writing articles and books for growing minds during her 25+ year career as a psychotherapist and motivational speaker. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (BA), and earned her Masters Degree from the University of Louisville. Caryn’s therapeutic story books are written for educators, mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, leaders, and parents seeking practical solutions to key children’s issues. Her book, A Bully Grows Up: Erik Meets the Wizard is available in 3 versions: student’s version, adult’s instruction version and audio book. They are available at www.carynsolutions.com; www.amazon.com; www.litebooks.net and www.brysontaylorpublishing.com.