Non-profit status

What wasn’t visible: Sandra’s body remembers something she cannot put into words. These are clear signs of trauma that point to helplessness and vulnerability. They are not, as previously assumed, characteristics of her intellectual disability. The aggressive behavior is not misbehavior—it is the only outlet through which something that cannot be put into words finds a way to the outside world. The wounded child within her is desperately seeking a way to express herself.

Therapy—but the IV takes 6 months

Sandra is joining the “Spielzeit” program. Due to her severe lack of social connection and dissociation, we are beginning therapeutic work with her as part of the “Spielzeit Method” through a three-person therapy session. We have developed this specialized treatment approach over the past 20 years, and it involves two psychotherapists.

It takes six months for the IV to issue a positive decision on the application for cost coverage—and even then, it covers only one of the two therapists. The second specialist is funded by our foundation.

“Only with a donation can Sandra start therapy right away—instead of having to wait six months.”

Lara Gmür, Head of Fundraising

A train station, a wooden spoon—and the first spark

Something unexpected happens during the first session: Sandra grabs a captain’s hat, puts it on, and begins lining everyone up in single file with a wooden spoon. Start signal. Stop signal. She’s the captain. For the first time, she’s in control—at least in the game.

We understand: This is no coincidence. It’s an attempt by their traumatized nervous system to create order. This is where we come in. We play along. We follow their rules. We let them take the lead. And slowly—very slowly—something healing and relationship-building emerges: trust.

The “Spielzeit Method”: When Words Fail, Children Express Themselves Through Play

The “Spielzeit Method” was developed by Robin Mindell, drawing on the concept of situated learning. It works where language and insight reach their limits: through the body, rhythm, play, and relationships. Inner patterns are not explained, but rather acted out, moved, and ritualized.

We introduce a wolf hand puppet—an animal that rages, bites, but also protects. Sandra, who until now had only exploded or disappeared, begins to give her anger a form: The wolf is allowed to be angry. The wolf is allowed to growl. And then—after weeks—Sandra says for the first time, “The wolf protects me.” Three words that open up a whole new world.

The lead therapist, together with the co-therapist, initiates sequences of actions to which Sandra begins to respond with motor and verbal responses. Building on innate behaviors such as mirroring and identification, these responses are encouraged to help her break free from states of rigidity and stagnation.

After two years, Sandra says “Stop”

After a year of psychotherapy, Sandra begins to set boundaries on her own: She says “No”—loudly, clearly, without an outburst. She chooses her own games. She builds a scene in the sand in which a little girl is not alone, but is being held by someone. It is the first image that depicts protection rather than threat.

After two years of therapy, Sandra is able to live in a supervised housing program without experiencing daily crises. She can put into words what’s going on inside her. She has learned: “It’s okay to feel what I feel.” “I am not defined by what has happened to me. I am valuable and good just as I am.” As therapy draws to a close, Sandra says, “I’m sure now…” and then laughs cheerfully. Sandra’s foster mother cries when she hears this.