“I HAD A BAD DREAM AND BAD THOUGHTS.” (MAX, AGE 10)

Max sat calmly in his bed under his covers. His dad sat reading a book next to him. Neither was talking or interacting with the other. I asked Max what was up, and he immediately said nothing accept I can’t sleep because I have bad thoughts and dreams. Dad continued to read.

I asked Max if he thought he could remember the thoughts from the dream and if we could explore them. We did! We moved, made faces, and re-created this story. His dad looked up to see what we were doing once he heard laughter and I invited him to join us. I asked him to follow Max’s movements. Dad followed and the two of them moved with large, heavy, twisted poses, scrunched faces as if creeping up and jumping at one another. I asked them to move from these images to the opposite, something small, soft, straight, calm and then something larger, stronger.

Together they came up with a solution to move at the same time with a slow but strong posture and then their eyes met and they hugged. Max said he didn’t feel scared because his dad was with him now.

Movement exploration between parent and child can unlock confusion and support a child’s need for problem solving tools and resolution.

Therapeutic support with movement can be powerful for children who are unable to communicate uncomfortable topics and fears. For more information and support for your child or a child you know 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