Sad Little Girl

Question

   I have been asked to see a 9-year girl. She is scared of dying, being kidnapped, eating a food that will hurt her and other things.  She has no friends. She characterizes the girls at school, and in groups outside of school, as "mean." She’s lonely because there no one to play with in her neighborhood. She is very stressed, sad and mad.  There doesn’t seem to be a bright note in her life.  I’m not sure how to handle a case like this.

Answer

      You have a real challenge ahead of you, but with a 9-year old, it may go more smoothly than you expect. Why not find out what animals represent courage (such as a lion), strength (such as an elephant), an animal unafraid of being alone, and the friendliest animal.  They don't have to be used all in one setting. She could be encouraged to become the animal when she becomes afraid, or lonely, etc.  I have such a script in my first GREAT ESCAPES book, which I created from work with a 6-year old who had a long list of things with which she wanted help.  She responded exceedingly well to the animal images.  There’s a possibility that this 9-year old might also. 

   If she doesn't respond well to this, try suggesting to her deeper mind, that wise part of her, that it seek out whatever is causing her fears, and change those into something more helpful to her. (GREAT ESCAPES Volume IV)