Many children have had to face difficulty in some form during their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic with the associated mandatory social isolation has been an unnatural and even traumatic experience for our children adding to the list of difficult experiences. These experiences lead to our children’s nervous systems being overstimulated which is having a detrimental impact on their ability to think and concentrate and leading to emotional and behavioural challenges like temper tantrums or withdrawal. We can make an active effort to support our children and avoid long-term, debilitating consequences.

Resilience groups are designed according to the polyvagal principles to calm the nervous system and help children connect with each other and themselves. The trauma caused by the impact of the pandemic or other difficult experiences can be used as an opportunity for growth, teaching them resilience that can be useful to them for the rest of their lives. This will be done with the assistance and example of the wise and calm horses at Liberty Stables. During these groups, children will:

• Participate in activities designed to help them connect with their own bodies and understand and label the sensations they may be experiencing. This will teach them how to return to a “safe state” when they feel stuck or overwhelmed.
• Participate in activities designed to calm the nervous system.
• Learn how to deal with difficult emotions without suppression.
• Connect with horses who will help them regulate their emotions.
• Connect with each other in a safe way.

 The last 30 minutes of the groups will incorporate the parent or caregiver to support them in helping children at home, and an information hand-out will be given.

Groups will be charged at R600 per child per group which can be partly claimed back from your medical aid. Groups will be held as booked on weekday afternoons at Liberty Stables from 15:00 – 17:00. Weekend groups can be scheduled if there is enough interest. Children and parents can attend one or multiple groups.

The groups will be conducted by Sasja van der Merwe (Clinical Psychologist). For more information or to make a booking please contact Sasja at 083 532 3171 or email to sasjavandermerwe@gmail.com