"I feel like I'm sleepwalking through my life..."
These were the words of an 8-year-old girl during one of our sessions.
Children often say things that stop us in our tracks—and this was one of those moments.
She couldn’t quite explain it, but she said it was like she was there but not really there. It was as if she was going through the motions—school, routines, friendships—but not truly feeling anything.
What she described is something many adults relate to… yet here it was, coming from someone so young.
It was a sign of emotional overwhelm and disconnection. Her nervous system had likely gone into a protective "freeze" response—a state where we numb out to keep ourselves safe when things feel too much.
Here’s what helped bring her back to herself:
Gentle guided imagery: I invited her to create her own magical safe space in her imagination—a garden filled with colour, animals, and places where she felt seen and heard. She visited this garden often, even outside our sessions.
Sensory grounding: We explored simple practices to bring her back into the now—like holding a smooth stone, cold water reset, walking barefoot on the grass, getting out into nature, or noticing 5 things she could see, 4 things she could touch, and so on.
Creative expression: Through drawing, movement, and storytelling, she began to express emotions that didn’t yet have words.
Affirmations: Together we created a mantra: “I am awake, I am safe, I am here.” She repeated this while holding her heart, slowly reconnecting to her body.
Connection: Most importantly, she had a safe space to be seen, heard, and accepted—just as she was.
Children carry so much. When we create safety and space for them to express it, their wisdom and resilience shine through.
If your child (or a child you know) seems distant, disconnected, or "switched off"—know that it's not bad behaviour. It’s their nervous system asking for help. There is always a way back.