Little Red Riding Hood
What was her mother thinking of
To send her daughter on her way
Into the woods alone that day?
Was she so busy with her chores
She did not see those vulpine jaws?
Where the protective mother love?
What was her mother thinking of?
What was Red Riding Hood about?
To wander off into the woods,
Her basket packed up full of goods
Was there no friend, au pair or nanny
To go with her to visit her Granny?
Why did she not protest and shout?
What was Red Riding Hood about?
And where was Daddy on that day?
Did he not see his daughter go,
And rush outside and call out, “NO!
I’ll take the food for you, my child
The woods are dangerous and wild
You stay at home, have fun and play…”
So where was Daddy on that day?
And why did Granny live out there?
If she was ill and stuck in bed
Could she not live with them instead?
Or have a nurse, live in a home
Not in the woods there, all alone
No shops or friends, and wolves that scare
So why did Granny live out there?
Why does this story make me so mad?
I want to take her parents on
And tell them that the whole thing’s wrong
Red Riding Hood should be protected
Secure and cherished, not neglected
Abandoned by both mum and dad
That’s why this story makes me mad!
Apparently, it all came good
The story turns out fine and dandy –
The woodcutter came in very handy
Justice was done, the world was dead
And all the good guys won, its said
That child was rescued in the wood
Apparently, it all came out good
If only it were always true
That rescuers turn up to fight
And put those nasty wolves to flight
That child, innocent and sweet
Can be protected from deceit
There must be more than we can do?
If only it were always true
And so I want to rage and shout
And let my deep frustrations out
Wanting to cry “Never again!”
Trying to rid the world of pain
But take a closer look and see
That lost and lonely child
Is me…….
(Anon)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are distressing incidents that happen before turning 18. These may involve abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect (emotional, physical), household issues (divorce, substance abuse, violence, incarceration), among others.
The Impact of ACEs
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can significantly and enduringly affect a person's mental and physical well-being:
Mental health concerns: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and personality disorders
Physical health issues: Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity
Behavioral challenges: Aggression, delinquency, risky behaviours, difficulties with relationships, emotional regulation problems, and low self-esteem
Counselling as a Tool for Healing
Counselling can be an effective method for assisting individuals who have encountered ACEs in healing and managing their difficulties:
Process emotions: Examine and comprehend feelings associated with the ACEs.
Recognise the impact: Acknowledge that ACEs can have significant and enduring effects.
Validate feelings: It's normal to feel a variety of emotions, such as anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, or shame.
Develop coping skills: Acquire healthy strategies to handle stress, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Build resilience: Enhance their capacity to recover from challenges.
Improve relationships: Foster stronger bonds and attachment with oneself and others.
Our actions are influenced by our past experiences. If we have encountered ACEs, our future relies on processing negative past experiences, addressing current maladaptive behaviors, and progressing towards making the right changes and decisions for a more positive future. Counseling clients with ACEs is a journey that enhances self-awareness and promotes change in maladaptive patterns learned in childhood; it can be challenging and painful. I recognize that each client brings their own unique set of circumstances and behaviors, so my relationship with my clients is founded on trust and empathy in a safe, non-judgmental environment, while listening and providing support every step of the way…...
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