Turning Trauma into Treasures, a CBT Game for Children

Tasha Milligan
11 hours ago
2 min read

Turning Trauma to Treasures is a CBT game to help children process trauma.

Turning Trauma into Treasures is a CBT game to help children process trauma. Perspective matters. The lens through which we view ourselves and others will greatly affect how we feel about what we have been through. This game is designed to challenge children to think the best of themselves, increase resilience, and find support figures when times are tough. It will also help them process parts of their trauma narrative in a playful setting.

This game is not specific to the type of trauma the child has experienced, offering versatility. It can also be used with a wide age range, making it applicable in most trauma situations for children. The beauty of games like this is that they allow children to process through their favorite language - play! It also allows them to process small pieces of their trauma at a time to avoid flooding. The beauty of games like this is that they allow children to process through their favorite language - play!

Cover and instructions for trauma to treasures.

The game features eight categories for the game cards, each focusing on a different aspect of trauma to help children in different ways:

Leap of Faith- These cards focus on desired outcomes and goal setting. Kids will explore what would be different in their lives if everything got better.
Sting of Trauma - These questions prompt discussion of difficulties and hardship.
Pearls of Wisdom - Children will explore the good things that can come out of difficult times.
Hidden Treasure - These cards focus on identifying personal characteristics and abilities that make the child special.
Lots to Juggle - Kids are often pulled in many different directions. These cards will prompt discussion about workload and stressors, and the best ways to manage them.
Loving Support - Children will explore who they can trust and how to lean on support figures.
Hiding Out - Sometimes we all need to get away for a bit to regroup. This topic will help children identify safe places and coping skills to feel better.
Hold on Tight - Grounding techniques and coping plans can help children regulate when they feel triggered. This topic will help explore coping options.