Katie’s Fortress is a story about a little girl who has social anxiety. She feels safe and secure in her fortress but feels the need to wear armor when going around others. On a trip to the village, she sees kids playing and enjoying the company of others. They do not look worried at all. She was perplexed. How did they feel a feeling of peace while she felt so insecure?
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She recognized a sense of loneliness and a desire to connect with others. She realized that her fortress and armor offered protection, but they also created a barrier between herself and others. She realized she would have to face her fears and leave the armor behind if she was going to enjoy relationships. She discovered that the other children found safety and strength within relationships. She found that her misbelief about finding safety in her fortress had led to emotions and behavior that were self-defeating.
After she faced her fears, she was able to build friendships and let go of her worries. The game helps children learn how to challenge beliefs and replace irrational thoughts with new beliefs and thoughts that are productive and helpful. The game cards address triggering thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and coping mechanisms to help kids overcome their fears. They will also be able to identify the benefits of friendship and friendship goals.
The game cards focus on several different aspects of social anxiety as well as CBT skills and coping skills to help children overcome stuck points. Children will be challenged to consider how their lives would be different if they did not have social anxiety. Envisioning a future of connection and freedom is a first step in confronting their fears. They will idenitify sources of strength and security away from home to help them feel secure when they are away from their safe place. The greatest battle that children will face is identifying irrational or maladaptive thoughts that hold them captive. They will be prompted to challenge these beliefs to break free from their mental strongholds.
When working with children who present with social anxiety, please be mindful of other underlying issues that may be present. Some children are extreme introverts and are not distressed by isolation. They do not feel anxiety about being around people, but more of an irritation. They prefer to have their own space and do not want to focus on developing social relationships. Looking into personality types can help address these issues and help families identify ways to cope with the personality style. Additionally, if a child has experienced trauma it can significantly impact social relationships and the feeling of safety around others. I would highly encourage trauma work to support confidence and the reduction of anxiety.
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