Fear of the Dark

Question
I have had a session with a very young child who is so afraid of the dark she refuses to sleep alone.  Her parents feel it’s time for her to have her own bed instead of always climbing in with them.  I’ve mostly been getting her used to me.  I’m uncertain just what I should do with a child of 5 who has this problem?  

Answer

Here are some possible methods to use with a young child: 

     1.  After asking her about who she believes is the bravest animal in the world, and why it is brave, have her, when relaxed with eyes closed, imagine herself to be that brave animal.  Then tell her that any time she enters her room, or hears noises, she will "become" that animal, with all of its attributes of bravery.

     2. The issue of fear is generally one of feeling not in control, so perhaps, when in an altered state, you could arm the child with something like a laser beam or gun or sword (or something else that the child might have told you makes her feel stronger, then walk with her into her room, at night, and have her tell you what is there, making the noises.  She then is to have power over them by ridding the room of whatever it is. 

     3.  I have a “magic box” of stick-on stars that shine in the dark. Unless the child’s parents are anti-religious, I give a handful of stars to such a child and have them put the stars on their ceiling and wall advising them that there are angels behind each star who will look after them at night.