What counseling intervention is most appropriate for a second-grade student exposed to domestic violence?

Cognitive strategies to connect thoughts and feelings are particularly appropriate for a second-grade student exposed to domestic violence because this age group is still developing their emotional and cognitive skills. Children in this developmental stage often have difficulty distinguishing between their thoughts and emotions. By utilizing cognitive strategies, the counselor can help the child express and understand their feelings in relation to the traumatic events they have witnessed. This approach can promote emotional regulation and provide the child with tools to process their experiences, fostering resilience and understanding.

Additionally, while narrative strategies can assist in creating a coherent story, a second-grader may struggle with the complex cognitive demands required. Guided imagery may not be suitable since it requires a level of imaginative processing that might be overwhelming in the context of trauma. Motivational strategies could also be less effective at this stage because the child may be uncertain about their ability to change their circumstances or might feel hopeless due to their exposure to violence, overshadowing any motivational messages. Therefore, connecting thoughts and feelings through cognitive strategies offers a supportive and developmentally appropriate method for helping the child process their experiences.