Helping traumatized children

Helping children who have been through rough times is part of my job. And I'm pretty good at it. But I dont know why we just can't seem to help Mae.
For the past 2 weeks or so, Mae has been acting up, which she hasn't done in a LONG time. In the past couple years she has gotten so much better at using her words, speaking up instead of crying, and behavinga appropriately. Getting to go talk to our therapist is a big incentive for her. But lately, Mae refuses to talk, has been crying, staying inside, refuses to even write notes or color a picture about what's bothering her. She stays inside this inner room we have inside and kicks and screams and cries to keep everyone away who tries to calm her down. This just isn't like her.
It all started a few weeks ago when I went to have a massage. We have had body massages before. They are very relaxing and helpful. For some reason this time, Mae had a huge reaction.
A long time ago, back when I was in college, when Mae first showed up inside, she was just a little voice that called "Mommy?" all the time, and then cried. It has taken years and years to get her to a place where she can talk. Our therapist has worked so hard with Mae and she's come a long way. I just dont want to see her slip backwards.

Our therapist said she would talk with Mae, but I dont know how much good it will do if Mae is not talking back. She is once again acting like a traumatized little frightened child again and wont let us know why.

Posted by pilgrim | Filed under: