Coaching

Getting into places is often easier than getting back out.

Elizabeth approaches calmly as a child expresses discontent while on top of a box she climbed onto. Elizabeth acknowledges, guessing as best she can based on close observation, the feelings and needs that are up for the child and then coaches her through each step required to get down.

Elizabeth's calm, reassuring tone helps the child feel safe while she tries out these new skills: "You can put your foot down this way, towards the ground. Can you feel my hand? I'm guiding your foot to the floor."
After getting down, the child hugs Elizabeth, and they both connect over the strong feelings that came up through this process. 

By choosing to patiently guide each child through these tricky, high-emotion, and physical situations, Elizabeth in ensuring that

*  each child feels safe and supported

*  each child develops healthy attachment and attunement with her

*  each child has the opportunity to take appropriate risks

*  each child builds on their skills to make safe choices during tricky times

*  each child experiences a healthy relationship that models unconditional positive regard and antishame/vulnerability guidance

*  each child increases their emotional and physical competencies in ways that support both connection and autonomy for the future