How to enable narrative expression and affect regulation – The scared gang are asked to tell

When children are asked to recall traumatic events or express their fears, their stress response is activated. Children have different styles of adaptation to threat;

Instinctive survival behaviour, sensory regulation behaviours and strategic attachment behaviours. Each adaptation needs a corresponding sensory regulating response and an appropriate response by the professional, to enable the child to recover and participate in the narrative process. “The Scared Gang are Asked to Tell” provides a guide to professionals on how to enable narrative expression and affect regulation. Children gain insight into their own instinctive behaviours and learn the use of regulating tools and activities through four Scared Gang stories, culminating in writing a Scared Gang story book about their own fears and regulating needs.

This presentation will cover the basic principles described in this resource and show illustrated examples from children’s personal Scared Gang stories.