Tools for therapists: Using the senses and art to process grief and trauma

Engaging the five senses is an amazing way to help children and families tap into their own inner healer and process some of the most challenging emotions and trauma from the past. Common sense was described in the 14th century as the six sense, the sense that integrates and brings to light our five sense and sees them in the present moment. The pandemic has separated children from many types of play and story telling that naturally uses so many of the senses to understand social situations and hurting emotions. Sensory enrichment, play and story telling deepens children’s social and emotional understanding and connects them to their intuition and healing spaces. Social science research shows that children can learn through play and storytelling at about 12 to 15 repetitions as apposed to talking through an experience which can take around 500 repetitions.

As a therapist, you can bring a textured path to walk on and scented essential oil to help children return to their peaceful nervous system by engaging the senses. I have often introduced these sensory experiences in the beginning of therapy to help children tap into their intuition and healing energy. Combining sensory experiences such as texture/touch and smell increases serotonin and dopamine and connects children to the present moment and their 6th sense or common sense.

I also use pictures and therapeutic story telling to help children communicate about their emotions, as a tool to find new meaning in a difficult situation. Storytelling offers predictability and hope as a navigational tool for children. Bringing the senses of sight and hearing to a space of peace and safety, helps children capture the part of their story that offers the most reassurance and healing. My favorite book of short stories about sadness and hurt is Stories to Light the Night by Susan Perrow. Her soulful stories help capture the heart and soul of children and help them feel seen, allowing children to bring their own worried story to a space of safety.