I have a 7 year old with severe hx of abuse/inflicted scaldings/neglect by bio mother......who is dissociating from pain. He dropped a large piece of metal on his foot. Looks like he is going to lose his big toenail and doesnt have any pain associated with it. Is telling the doctor "its not that bad". Toe is black.  He went to school today and his teacher accidentally stepped on the effected foot resulting in some blood spurting. Again, this 7 year old now tells the teacher, "dont worry about it, its not that bad"  and has no facial signs that he is in any pain whatsoever. Grandparents are raising this child (and his brother who was even more traumatized).  We are now just noticing this lack of pain as child has not been injured since being reunited with grandparents. Obviously this child has learned to separate from pain starting from his late infancy to when he was 'saved' from his mother at age 2.

 Any suggestions on where to start?  He knows how to use EFT and I incorporate this in treatment. This child is also acting out in school and is in an alternative school already due to violence towards others. He does not appear to understand how his actions can cause others pain, nor does he feel pain himself.

Appreciate any feedback.

imajwru, LCSW

 I  treat dissociation in kids and adults abused as children. EFT can help to  "calm" and "soothe" himself when he feels overwhelmed, confused, inner conflict (alters in conflict) or when distressed. It's useful to teach SUDS scale of 1-10 rating scale so that he can develop more self-awareness. 

It's always helpful to coach him to define a "safe-place" to go to in  his Mind's eye . Then once he feels calmer/safe you can help him tap on defined issues, while in his "safe-place". The  type of structure really helps kids who feel  powerless.

Also, try  co-creating  some soothing affirmations to tap on when overwhelmed with feelings which for him, escalate into rage quickly. The practice of tapping will begin  the cool down  process more quickly. 

He may not have co-conscousness with inside "parts" but you can begin the process of coaching him to take responsibility for his behavior. This will help him develop co-consciousness ( the beginning of real  healing/integration)

Good  luck,

SFriedLPC