Draw a Safe Place
Target Age Group:Any age
Objective: who have experienced a great sense of fear and have felt uncomfortable with their surroundings create a place that they can create that feels safe to them. Whether this is a real or imaginary place, they will have the opportunity to be creative while also being able to turn back to this safe space in times when they are feeling scared or uncomfortable.
Why it Works
Symbolic Connection: Offers a way to visualize a safe place in a time when someone is feeling anxious, scared, or unsafe, and be able to access this safe place in their mind to calm them down and recenter them. This can also make the individual feel like they are in full control of their environment.
Instructions:
- Gather Materials:
- A piece of paper
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Creating a safe place:
- Each individual will be asked to think of a place (imaginary or real) where they would feel most safe and calm in.
- They will then be asked to draw and color this place in any way they like.
- They will also be asked to focus in on the details that make them feel the safest.
- If they are not comfortable drawing, they can also just share their safe space out loud or write it down and describe it on a piece of paper.
- After the drawing is completed, you may ask the individual (if they are comfortable) to share why the space is most comfortable for them and describe it.
- Carrying the Memory:
- Individuals can keep this drawing in a place that they are in frequently and are able to access easily, such as their bedroom, backpack, somewhere in their classroom, or another location in their house
