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Group Work with Children who have Experienced Trauma using a Sensorimotor Framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2015

T. Wolan ,
M. A. Delaney  and
A. Weller
T. Wolan*
Affiliation:
Trauma Counselling service, The Australian Childhood Foundation, Mitcham, Victoria, Australia
M. A. Delaney
Affiliation:
Trauma Counselling service, The Australian Childhood Foundation, Mitcham, Victoria, Australia
A. Weller
Affiliation:
Trauma Counselling service, The Australian Childhood Foundation, Mitcham, Victoria, Australia
*
address for correspondence: T. Wolan, Trauma Counselling service, The Australian Childhood Foundation, Mitcham, Victoria, Australia E-mail: twolan@childhood.org.au
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Abstract

At the Victorian Child Trauma service, we are using a sensorimotor framework to help children recover from their experiences of trauma. Informed by the work of Pat Odgen, this approach helps children to feel safe, aware and connected to their bodies and minds. In this article, we will describe the development of a group program incorporating sensorimotor principles, with the aim of helping children to regulate and engage in healing relationships. Group outcomes suggest that the use of sensory elements and principles in guiding our group program helps dysregulated children to establish safety and connection in meaningful ways with those around them.

Keywords

childrentraumagroup workcounselling

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