Reviews from

Freedom From Fear

Fear is often generated by imagining something bad to happen

19 total reviews 
Comment from Claire Tennant
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a very powerful story. It is educational, empathic and a credit to your teaching abilities. I like how the children were able to act on instinct, stomping on the picture and grow beyond the fear. In addition, those of us who read the story learn in a small way how to handle trauma. The simple but effective language is strong and wise. Wishing you the best for the contest, and beyond.

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 24-Mar-2025
    Thank you, Claire. But I chose to keep this out of a contest. It stands on its own. -Bill
reply by Claire Tennant on 24-Mar-2025
    In hindsight, that was a good idea,l Bill.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I thought that was really interesting, and something I will hold on to. There is so much tragedy in the world today, so much that children can't help but witness. If they can learn to confront their fear, to be able to deal with it in a positive way, it can only be good. I enjoyed reading this, Bill. Thank you for posting this. Well done. Warmest hugs, Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 23-Mar-2025
    I must confess, I had some hesitations about posting this. I predicted that the number of reviews would be low, and so far, I'm right.
    Thank you, Sandra, for yours. -Bill
Comment from Karen Cherry
Excellent
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You certainly have more guts than me in this arena. I tend to be very empathic, so I avoid scenes like that. With two or three people I am fine, but large groups, no thank you. I applaud your choice of profession. It takes a very strong core to do this work. I appreciate you. Karen

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 23-Mar-2025
    Thanks, Karen. I admit, I love big projects. I've done bigger ones.-Bill
reply by Karen Cherry on 24-Mar-2025
    You like challenges, so do I. But the breadth of what I can do is scaled down. I am mostly limited to the internet. I am unable to stand for long. My back does not have the bottom four disc's. Pain is a nasty interloper. I cannot sit much longer, and must take many breaks. I built myself a life, but it operates much differently than most everyone else's. I have to remind people all the time, even my sisters that I do not operate like anyone else. Being away from my apartment is work, and a lot of pain, that I can not always distract myself from. Pain rarely kills people, but it does seem to try really hard. :-)
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2025
    Karen, have you heard of Autogenics?
reply by Karen Cherry on 24-Mar-2025
    Autogenics? I looked it up. I do it all the time, I did not know it had a name. I was taught to do that at an early age. It helped with all the surgery I went through. Now, I can tell myself to go to sleep. That is handy when I am stressed. Karen
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2025
    It was great exchanging thoughts with you, Karen. Sleep well. -Bill
reply by Karen Cherry on 25-Mar-2025
    Thanks for the info. Karen
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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I wish I had a six to award this excellent and well-written article about one of the big problems that confront so many people who have encountered horrific circumstances. Your writing is clear, easy to read, and very interesting.

 Comment Written 22-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 22-Mar-2025
    Thank you, Carol. I regret now not including more of what occurred on that stage. Another time. -Bill
Comment from joann r romei
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

They say children are resilient and bounce back but I disagree, they grow up with the unresolved trauma and it affects their adulthood and relationships, such tragedy, God bless you for helping children.

 Comment Written 22-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 22-Mar-2025
    It has been a lifelong journey in the counseling of children and their supporting loved ones as they came to the end of life. I actually miss it. Thanks for your wonderful review and for your incredible six!
    -Bill
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I think a collection of therapists might be needed in the Gaza Strip, heaven knows what they might be experiencing, like soldiers who experience the riots wrought by unnatural hardships in human conflicts, oh you've moved me to pray more vigorously than I have before, beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
    None of us can ever imagine how the children are handling all this. Fear doesn't seem to come close to the horrific violence reigning down upon them. When this is over, I want to volunteer and train them about the care children will need. Thanks for the review, Roy. There is so much more to this story I haven't included. -Bill
reply by royowen on 22-Mar-2025
    That's a good thing to do Bill.
Comment from mermaids
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It is good to read about the children being able to move forward from the tragedy. Your writing shows how important therapy is and how beneficial it is after experiencing a devastating event. It is so hard for adults to move forward I can only imagine what children go through.

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
    Adults usually tell them how to go through grief and loss, fear and anger. This all took place in the Cambodian community and at their center. Adults wouldn't let them express emotion, especially crying. They were not allowed TV or any media. The incident was not allowed to be discussed. lt was a difficult wall to climb over. Their
    culture and the needs of the children clashed. Thanks for the review.-Bill
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
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Wow, William, what an amazing story of teaching traumatized children to move from fear to anger. I hope that step opened them up to further steps. Apparently from the contacts you've had, at least some were able to. Thank you for sharing your story,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
    Thanks, Rhonda, for your review. All seven made a wonderful recovery and were able to be care-givers to their siblings and peers.
    -Bill
Comment from zanya
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an account that is good for us to read, told with clarity and purpose, Life, these days throws up so many tragic and scary moments, especially for the young.But having the proper 'tools' to use to enable those affected to move on is so vital, This is a significant insight into how the aftermath of trauma can affect us humans and how it might be mitigated somewhat.

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
    Thank you, Zanya, for a most insightful review. The skill-set they acquired would work with conflict resolution as well as collision of values. Your six is duly noted! Thank you!
Comment from Teri7
Excellent
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Bill, This is a great post. I wish I had six stars to give you for this That was great that the children responded to the way you handled this situation. Thank you for sharing! Blessings,Teri

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
    As always, there are a few I depend upon to determine if something I submit is worth it and you are one of them. Thank you. -Bill
reply by Teri7 on 21-Mar-2025
    Bill, I do enjoy your work very much! I still listen to the CD I got from you quite a while ago. Your voice is so comforting. Thank you for being my friend! Blessings, Teri