The children in our care have severe emotional and behavioral disturbances as a result of their traumatic backgrounds. They often exhibit a range of difficult symptoms including fear, rage, distrust of adults and destructive or violent behavior. Many of them do not benefit from conventional therapies alone. Our alternative therapies which among others include art therapy, music therapy, crafts therapy, bibliotherapy and pet therapy enable them to explore difficult emotions in an intuitive, non-verbal way. This supports their recovery and helps facilitate our overall goal; to rehabilitate the children so that they can reenter mainstream society and go on to lead normative lives. Some examples of the different therapies and their benefits are listed below

Music therapy has proven to be a powerful tool that reaches the children in ways and in places nothing else can. They become responsive, expressive and allow us to initiate a deep dialogue with them. When given the opportunity to beat the drums, or write their own music and songs, or interpret feelings in a musical interlude, the dam of pent-up emotion and forgotten injuries opens up, leading the way towards healing. Time and again, we have witnessed the magic of music in our work with these children.

Research has shown that pet-assisted therapy has a positive impact on emotionally troubled children. These children are often unable to communicate their pain and fears verbally and they are instead manifested in violent outbursts and destructive behavior. The relationship with an animal provides a valuable means for emotional expression. Pet-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce the children’s aggression and anxiety as well as improving their social skills.