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Emotional Containment, Connection, and Healing

Fathers and kids having fun outdoor playing with soap bubble toys

As a foster carer, you have started on a compassionate and transformative journey by providing a safe and nurturing home for traumatised children. They may have experienced adverse life events that have deeply affected their emotional well-being.

This article looks at the importance of emotional containment, connection, and healing in supporting these children. We’ll help you to understand these key terms and see how using them in your caregiving approach can make a significant difference in their lives, and help them on their path to healing.

 

Emotional Containment: Providing a Safe Space

Emotional containment means the ability to hold and regulate a child’s overwhelming emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

“Containment is a way of providing a safe place for your child to feel and to reflect on their feelings, feelings that otherwise are likely to be experienced as overpowering and bewildering.”

The go-to Therapeutic Parenting Handbook for Foster carers

Traumatised children often struggle with emotional dysregulation due to their past experiences. As a foster carer, you play a vital role in creating a safe space where our children can express their emotions freely without fear of judgment or rejection.

  • Establish routines and consistent boundaries to provide a sense of security and predictability.
  • Actively listen to their concerns and validate their feelings, helping them understand that their emotions are acknowledged and valued.
  • Model self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to help them in managing their emotions effectively.

Connection

Building a secure and trusting connection is crucial for their emotional healing. Our Therapeutic Handbook states, ‘Connecting is the foundation of therapeutic parenting’. Many of our children have experienced broken attachments and have difficulty trusting others. By fostering a genuine and caring relationship, you can help them rebuild their sense of trust and develop healthy attachments.

  • Spend quality time engaging in activities they enjoy, such as playing games, reading, or exploring their interests.
  • Be patient and understanding, allowing them to set the pace for building connections. Respect their boundaries and avoid overwhelming them with excessive attention.
  • Offer consistent support and reassurance, showing that you are reliable and dependable.

Healing

Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.  You can play a vital role in their healing process by providing a safe, consistent and nurturing environment.

You can encourage a child’s self-expression through creative outlets like art, music, or writing. These activities can serve as a means of emotional release.

 

Conclusion

As foster carers you have a unique opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our children. By emphasising emotional containment, connection, and healing, you can create a safe and nurturing environment that promotes growth and resilience. Remember, every child’s journey is unique, and healing takes time. Your dedication and commitment can make a profound difference in helping our children overcome their traumatic experiences and lay the foundation for a brighter and more hopeful future for them.

By embracing our principles, you are providing our children with the essential tools to rebuild their lives and reclaim their well-being. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these resilient young individuals!