Dear joanna:

Find it, hold it tight when you feel scared. As you hold it, think the following: I am safe. Right here and now, I am safe. When you feel scared next, hold it tighter and say to yourself in a calm voice out loud: I am safe. Here and now, I am safe. Take in a deep breath and another.

Let the stuffed animal represent to you the very young child in you, the little girl who is afraid and needs you to comfort her, to be kind and gentle to her.

anita