Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/creating-relational-sanctuaries-for-children-who-suffer-from-abuse/5019164/
BOX #1:Lissa’s story: Chapter 1
Lissa was an unusually mature child. Like a fledgling fidgeting woodpecker, she pecked away at every task until the result could not be criticized. If her drawing smudged, Lissa crumpled it and started again. Lissa clowned around to distract her classmates when new situations spiked their anxiety. She knew how to cheer people up.
When unfamiliar adults entered the room, Lissa shrank in her chair. Clanging fire alarm bells catapulted Lissa out of her seat. Parent-teacher conferences, when announced, caused Lissa to wince. She quickly cloaked her vulnerability in an image of confidence.
Michael Gonta, Lissa’s teacher, spotted a flicker of loneliness in Lissa’s eyes. He began to find special tasks for her, asking her to help him with classroom activities. Mr. Gonta delighted in Lissa’s sense of humor. He encouraged her to create cartoons and drawings which he proudly posted. When Lissa’s writing project was selected as her age level’s best, Lissa was stunned. Mr. Gonta was not. In the sanctuary of Mr. Gonta’s classroom, Lissa bloomed like an amaryllis bulb that had been held dormant in a dark cellar.
One October morning, Mr. Gonta announced he’d be leaving soon to become principal at another school. Lissa, schooled in ...