Aysha manifests excessive fears (KULEUVEN-01-EN)

Aysha, a 9 year-old girl, recently schooled in an north European country, manifested excessive fears reactions during her stay in class, crying attacks and clinging to her parents when they leave her at school and continuous attention to not being left alone by the teacher. Aysha's teacher was aware that the girl had been exposed to war situation in her country of origin.

The teacher decided to talk to her parents, using an empathic listening approach in order to better understand the situation. The parents told her that Aysha had been exposed to prolonged period of separation from her father and to very unstable situation before the reunification of the family in Europe. They told her that, also at home, she was showing anxieties mixed with impulsive behaviors and fear of sleeping in the dark.

The teacher explained to the parents that these behaviors were common reactions of children exposed to war related situations and suggested to seek a support and counselling from the school psychologist.

To a first reluctant reaction of the parents to this suggestion, the teacher used a culturally sensitive approach in order to overcome the prejudices and stereotypes present in a number of cultures with regard to mental health. The teacher explained that the school psychologist could help Aysha to overcome her fears.

Thanks to the trauma informed approaches used by the teacher, Aysha parents acknowledged the need to seek for a professional support.

Laura Hein, Reasearch and Teaching Assistant KU Leuven