Eight-year-old Charlotte* was referred to ChildSavers after a classmate touched her inappropriately. After learning she had also been abused outside of school, Charlotte was paired with school-based therapist, Katy Reynolds, LPC.
She struggled to open up during her school therapy sessions. But when Charlotte and Katy started drawing on the whiteboard, things changed. Charlotte first drew herself based on outward appearance; her hair, outfits, etc. With help from her therapist, they identified her internal characteristics and strengths.
Then, she started adding past “parts” of her to the whiteboard including “victim.” When her therapist talked about the differences between “victim” and “survivor,” Charlotte lit up. She erased the whiteboard and drew a picture of herself that was very similar to past illustrations. Only this time, the drawing was labeled as her “hidden self.” Surrounding it were five bubbles. The last read, “I wish I would have fought back.”
After talking with Katy for a few minutes, Charlotte finally understood that she was a survivor.
Every year, you help hundreds of children like Charlotte build resilience to trauma. Your support allows children to tell their own stories with a trusted adult and explore their hurts, strengths, and emotions.
ChildSavers therapists are placed in ten of Richmond’s highest-need public schools. Your generosity provides a space for children to heal where they learn, grow, and play.
*Name and information altered to protect the identity of the child and family.
