Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

Chen-Chen and his mother have been taking part in psychological counseling at Sunshine Foundation and their sessions with the psychologist are almost over. Chen-Chen’s mother said: "I sincerely thank Sunshine for giving me the opportunity to bring Chen-Chen here for counseling, so that Chen-Chen can overcome the psychological trauma after being burned." Chen-Chen’s mother also learned effective parenting skills through counseling to deal with her own emotional trauma.

As a single mother, it wasn’t easy raising two little boys to begin with. But then Chen-Chen was burned, and things became even more complicated. Fortunately, Sunshine’s social worker quickly identified the difficulties facing the family and the tremendous pressure that the mother faced. The social worker helped link resources, and Sunshine’s psychologist also accompanied the family in their process of recovery.

Although Chen-Chen is still very small, yet he always behaves in a serious and precocious way, never crying and never making trouble. This was even the case after his injury. His mother felt this behavior was not normal, so she came to consult with Sunshine’s psychologist. Through play therapy, Chen-Chen gradually became a naughty, cheerful child and his mother also saw these changes. During play therapy sessions, the psychologist also discussed with the mother and discovered that although she was deeply committed to her child’s recovery, her own inner strength was running low. By putting the needs of her child first, she also neglected her own needs. Childhood burns imply a long recovery process, with surgical interventions and rehabilitation throughout the child’s growth phase. In order to accompany and support her child for the long run, Chen-Chen’s mother also had to make herself stronger and take care of her own psychological needs.

Through sand play therapy, Chen-Chen’s mother was able to express her inner pressure and begin her own healing. Through talks, the psychologist accompanied the mother in finding self-care methods, or ways to deal with stress. The inner growth of the mother and child was visible as the sessions progressed.

Chen-Chen’s mother is now ready to “graduate” from counseling services. Although many challenges still lie ahead, she was able to find her own inner abilities and resources to build confidence and accompany her child throughout any challenges, as symbolized in the tableau she created out of sand during counseling: an isolated island containing all sorts of beautiful, dazzling treasures.