Stop Nightmares and Night Terrors in Children

Free Activity with Printable Material

Nightmare / Night Terror Dungeon

Prevent Nightmares and Night Terrors from happening each night.

Children can put their nightmare, or fear, in a castle dungeon room and lock it up for the night.

This nightmare and night terror prevention activity will help the child to stop thinking about a nightmare, or fear. 

Materials Needed for Nightmare/Night Terror Prevention Activity  :

Nightmare Dungeon Worksheets Below

Markers or Crayons

Scissors

Glue 

Directions for Nightmare / Night Terror Prevention Activity: 

1. Ask the child to identify a disturbing nightmare or fear that may be causing them distress.

2. Have the child draw a representation of the nightmare in the doorway of the dungeon on the worksheet below.

3. After the drawing is completed have the child talk about the nightmare or fear.  

4. When the discussion is complete ask the child if they want to lock up the nightmare, or fear.

5. If they want to lock up the nightmare or fear have the child cut out the door, door latch, lock, and key on the second worksheet. Glue the door, latch, and lock over the nightmare, or fear picture.

6. Give the child the key picture. Tell them it is up to them if they want to open the door and allow the nightmare or fear back into their thoughts.

Offer to keep the drawing locked up in your file cabinet. I always tell them that if they want the nightmare or fear back, I will give it to them. 

*So far, no one has ever asked me to give back their nightmare, or fear. It helps to have the parent, or therapist, lock up the fear in a safe place.    

Nightmare Doorway:

Draw / Write your nightmare or fear in the Nightmare Doorway below:

  

Nightmare Door: Cut out the door, door latch, lock and key below. Glue each item to the dungeon doorway.

Copyright 2014 (c) by Creative Counseling 101.com

---

More Stop Nightmares and Night Terror Activities Here

---

For more free ideas on creative play therapy visit the link below: Creative Counseling 101.com Home

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.