The Horrible Thing that Happened, TF-CBT counseling game, trauma, grief

About the Horrible Thing that Happened:

• Assists with developing a trauma narrative when using TF-CBT
• Is a tool to teach Cognitive Behavioral concepts
• Helps children identify self-talk and beliefs related to trauma
• Teaches coping skills such as visualization, exercise, deep breathing, and grounding techniques
• Gives scenario cards for various types of trauma to help the child discuss how they would respond or how they would feel
• Incorporates humor to lighten the mood and reduce anxiety after discussion of difficult topics
• Can be used for individual, family, or group counseling
• Can be a useful diagnostic tool, as the therapist will learn the client's triggers and will be able to discuss reactions to given situations
• Fun and interactive
• Ideal for traveling therapists, as the game comes in a 9 x 12 plastic bag, taking up little space in your work bag.

 Card Topics:

• Horrible Things: These cards are situations of traumatic events to help open discussion of what the child would feel or do in the given situation.  *It is important to vet these cards with each child. There is one that indicates sexual abuse.
• I Believe: A traumatic event will trigger a person to form a belief about what happened. Sometimes these beliefs can lead to distress, guilt, and avoidance. These cards help children identify their beliefs and offer an opportunity to rescript or challenge irrational beliefs.
• Coping Skills: Many coping strategies are offered to help children cope with trauma. They will learn ways to regain control of their bodies when triggered.
• Laugh a Little: Trauma work is hard and emotionally taxing. It can quickly get heavy and overwhelming. These cards lighten the mood by allowing jokes, silliness, and comic relief to counterbalance the heaviness of the trauma work.

Contents include:

• Cover Sheet
• Game Board
• Instructions
• 48 game cards
• 6 pawns
• Die

Lamination is recommended for durability.

This game was created to be used by a professional counselor.  Training in TF-CBT is recommended.