Arts Therapy Clinic-Children in Crisis-CAMBODIA

At times of crisis, unexpected loss, or in emergencies, how we respond to those affected makes all the difference in their process of recovery and sometimes even their survival.

A compassionate responsive approach to shock, grief, trauma and its symptoms can support an individual and a community to begin to stabilise and be better equipped to navigate unexpected events. Responsive care helps us to spot those who are struggling and step in with more in-depth psychological support. Catching those who would otherwise fall through the net and potentially go on to suffer complex emotional and mental health problems.

Supporting children and families through a major road traffic accident enabled a team of therapists to provide such comprehensive care. 

Children are often overlooked at times of crisis. There can be many assumptions made about the way in which events may or may not impact them, or the situation is so chaotic that they are not noticed. 

During the emergency the Cambodian Therapist spotted one child hiding in a corner whilst his father was seriously injured in hospital. She gently approached him and sat down with him, hiding together she began to explore what he was feeling. He was terrified he was going to die. She talked through his fears and enabled him to feel safe to express deeper feelings and emotions began to flow. After some time and many tears he ran out and began to play. 

Children are incredibly resilient and they need time and space to be heard, to feel safe, to express their concerns and feelings. 

Compassionate responsive care, notices the invisible, the ones who are quiet and silent, unable to voice what they are experiencing as much as those who are equipped to express and process.

Ragamuffin provides responsive and long-term services to support children and families in Cambodia and your support makes all the difference.