“I MISS MY FAMILY”  (SOPHIA, AGE 9)

Sophia’s room was filled with photos and cards from her family members. We started by her walking around and introducing me to each person she said, “Cared for her.” She smiled when I asked her to share with me how each person would move. She immediately had a gesture, a pose, and a movement phrase for each person.

Roughly 5 different siblings and 2 parents, 3 grandparents, and 4 cousins; she new what each person meant to her. She moved in wide stances for some and smaller more subtle choices for others. She identified which members of her family seemed most similar and which showed differences.

She decided to create a movement routine in which all the motions when put together meant she had her family right there in the room with her today. She got tears in her eyes as she slowed the routine down and performed it in front of me again. She invited me to learn her personal movement and then I offered her one of mine. She said ‘I was then a part of those who cared.’

I work on connecting families together through my Parent/Child integrative therapy approach. If your family or a family you know could benefit from some additional support please email me at therapy@drloribaudino.com or call 310-966-0700.

Please Note: These stories are based on real moments but all names, ages, and identifying information has been changed to ensure confidentiality and safety for all individuals involved. The events are a composite of related scenarios used to illustrate the work; bringing understanding to the benefits of supporting children through a mind/body connection.

Special Thanks to The Andrea Rizzo Foundation. Dreasdream.org