I Need 5 Minutes

The Touchstone workshop has impacted thousands of students and faculty across LAUSD. The workshop offers participants to set an intention for themselves and take that intention on their journey.

I worked with a student who was actively having suicidal thoughts and was disregulated in a stimulating environment. He was unable to communicate his needs in these moments. 

We made a touchstone that said, “I need 5.” He needed five minutes to re-regulate himself when he was agitated. 

The school personnel were amazed at this new tool he carried within his pocket. Showing the touchstone and holding it helped him use a healthy and appropriate coping mechanism.

This photo was taken by Sean Mizuno, LCSW, who made this Touchstone Mural with his elementary school students.

Share this Story:
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) supports hundreds of art workshop facilitators across the country to incorporate creative expression into their work with trauma survivors. These Windows Facilitators serve 40,000 adults, teens, and children each year. Through these stories, we invite you to explore and share their journeys toward transformation and healing.

Related Stories:

The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Vermont