July 17th is World Emoji Day! 

July 17th is World Emoji Day, and as a child therapist, I’m happy to share how emojis can help when working with little ones who are struggling to find the words to express their feelings.

For many children, opening up about their emotions doesn’t come naturally, especially when they’re nervous or unsure of their own inner experiences. That’s where my new emoji pillow helps! when I meet children and young people face to face (and online too)

When a child first comes to see me, they may be feeling shy, anxious, sad or simply unsure of how to articulate what’s going on for them. Rather than putting them on the spot (especially if anxiety has shown up) ask them to verbalise their emotions. Sometimes it’s useful to start our sessions by inviting them to snuggle up with my emoji pillow.

The emoji faces can be interpreted as – happy, sad, mad, scared, confused, and everything in between. I encourage the child to simply point to the emoji that best matches how they’re feeling in the moment. No words are required!

Once they’ve identified their initial feeling, we can start to explore it further. For example worried or feeling anxious…What made them feel that way? How does that emotion show up in their body? What helps them feel better when they’re experiencing that particular feeling?

The emoji pillow can take the pressure off verbal communication and give the child a comfortable, non-threatening way to connect with and express their emotions, especially when we first meet. And from there, the therapeutic work can really begin to unfold.

So if you know of a child who is struggling to explain their feelings perhaps offer them some pictures of emojis to point to?

 If you would like help with your child, teenager or young person who is experiencing some unhelpful feelings, such as anxiety, anger, or low confidence, please do reach out and book a 15-minute discovery call or take up the FREE offer of a 40 minute consultation at my office in Telford, Shropshire.

Child Therapy Telford  – Face to Face or Online Sessions

Helping Navigate Children Through Their Emotions to Lead a More Positive Life