"Goodbye"Activities (Closing Virtual Session)

intervention themes engagement, coping estimated time needed for activity depending on the activity you choose, the time needed for the activity may change overall, it is recommended that one activity be selected to support the closing of the session to keep things predictable and enhance felt safety for the child recommended age range 3 8 years old materials needed magic lotion activity lotion is optional! the intentional breathing practices and words to the song are the ingredients that support the development of coping skills during this transition no additional supplies are needed however you have the option to print out the cards for the ‘see you later alligator’ to show the child or add them to a slide to show on your screen a link to the video has also been provided in your document descriptions, directions, and links are included in the handout preparation for the magic lotion activity, you may ask the client to bring their favorite lotion, however the lotion is not necessary and is an added bonus the song is intentional and teaches a coping strategy of deep breathing to add the child during the end of the session transition for “ https //www youtube com/watch?v=pzd3hozlxei ” you may find the video/song to play during the session https //www youtube com/watch?v=pzd3hozlxei handouts these are attachments that you can print out for the activities and use as a tangible visual or show in a slide on your screen instructions on how to add a slide as a virtual background or screen share are provided in your handouts description “good bye” activities are designed as part of the “bookends” to a session with children to make the virtual therapy space more predictable by providing structure for children who are reluctant to transition out of the session, therapist may choose to modify the activity by creating a choice board, providing the child with more control and autonomy it is recommended that therapist follow the child’s lead and worry less about doing the activity as outlined and staying attuned with the child’s emotional and behavioral state discussion younger children can easily become disorganized during the transition out of the session even though they may have been calm and were participating, the transition itself can trigger some impulsive behavior the session needs closure in order to transition to the next part of their daily life choose a downregulating song or brief ritual to formally mark “the end” this structure will help keep things predictable for the child and support the notion of felt safety processing questions these questions may help the therapist reflect on the child’s level of engagement and coping skills during the closing activities over a period of several sessions does the child seem to have a preferred good bye activity? what qualities are involved in that activity that seem to be beneficial for the child? how can these qualities be used in other elements of the session to support the child in their treatment goals? how does the child respond when the therapist transitions to the caregiver checkout? how does the caregiver respond? does the child require more control to feel safe and engaged? what skills can the caregiver build to support the child about the creator, amy nelson, lcsw, lscsw, rpt s amy nelson, lcsw, rpt s, is a licensed clinical social worker, and registered play therapist supervisor she specializes in the support of trauma and attachment, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulation disorders in children 3 to 5 years old amy is the founder of emotional milestones, llc, with a mission to help early childhood professionals prioritize and optimize mental and behavioral supports to young children for more information, visit www emotionalmilestones com contact amy\@emotionalmilestones com