A 14-year-old, who has already experienced numerous relationship breakdowns and changes of residence – including several foster families – has been in intensive stabilizing counseling for a year. His biography is marked by physical and psychological violence, sexualized violence, and long-term instability. For a long time, the youth was considered a "ticking time bomb," exhibited perpetrator behavior, and was frequently written off in the past – even by professionals.
During the counseling, the game "My Inner Team"was used to facilitate deeper access to his inner resources and conflict components. First, the youth selected 13 qualities from 40 terms that he believed could characterize him. He then reduced these to a starting lineup of 8 "players," while the others moved to the bench.
His team consisted of: Patience, Intelligence, Self-confidence, Creativity, Manual Skill, Perseverance, Athleticismand Self-defense.
He chose Self-defenseas team captain – a choice that clearly reflects his inner attitude and survival strategy.
His opposing team consisted of only four players: Fear of Failure, Fear of Loss, Anxietyand Dependence. The reasoning was profound: "I
almost always have fear – of dying, of having to leave again, of not being understood." The role of Dependence was particularly recognized as defining – as others determine his life, and he constantly strives to be liked so as not to be "kicked out" again.
The visual setup allowed for immediate insight: His strengths team is in the majority. This led to the question: Which strengths can neutralize which opponents?
Self-confidenceand Perseverance were named as counter-strategies to Fear of Failure.
Self-defensewas able to overcome Dependence – he had learned to set boundaries, even against aggressive behavior from professionals.
In the dialogue about Fear of Loss, an exciting transfer emerged: It could – in a healthy dose – also have a protective function. A "game rule" was agreed upon: If it remains controllable, it can play along – otherwise, it faces the bench.
Overall, it became clear that Anxiety in various facets is his biggest opponent in life– and that he lives in a constant inner self-defense mode. The choice of Self-defense as captain underscores this dynamic.
In the next session, the professional plans to develop a "Future Wish Team" to find out which inner strengths the boy wants to navigate life with in the future – and whether his team has changed. The goal is to sustainably strengthen his Self-efficacy, Life Skillsand Agency.
