My name is Sophie Duval, and I am a child psychologist and art therapist with over 15 years of experience. Throughout these years, I have had the honor of working with many children and families, helping them overcome psychological challenges and find harmony. Today, I want to share my personal story about how soft toys from Doudou et Compagnie have become an integral part of my practice and have changed the lives of many of my young patients.
How I Discovered Doudou et Compagnie
It all began a few years ago when I was searching for new approaches to art therapy. I attended an international conference on child psychology, where I met colleagues from various countries. One of them, Swiss psychologist Anna Müller, told me about the Doudou et Compagnie brand and how these soft toys help children in Switzerland cope with emotional difficulties.
Inspired by her stories, I decided to integrate these toys into my own practice. I ordered several models with different characters and began using them during sessions with children.
Lucas's Story: Overcoming the Fear of Darkness
The first patient with whom I applied this new approach was 6-year-old Lucas. He was terribly afraid of the dark and refused to sleep alone. This created tension in the family; his parents were exhausted and didn't know how to help their son.
During our first meeting, I offered Lucas the opportunity to choose a toy. His eyes immediately fell on a soft teddy bear with kind eyes. We named him Bruno. I told Lucas that Bruno was a special bear who could protect him from night fears.
Together, we created a story about brave Bruno, who travels through a magical forest and helps other animals overcome their fears. Lucas became captivated by this story and began taking Bruno home with him.
A few weeks later, Lucas's mother shared with me that her son had started sleeping on his own, hugging Bruno. He said he was no longer afraid because his friend was always by his side.
Mia and Her Journey to Friendship
Another vivid example was 8-year-old Mia, who felt lonely and couldn't connect with her peers. She was withdrawn and often seemed sad.
I offered her the chance to choose a toy, and she picked a gentle rabbit with long ears. We named him Felix. I asked Mia if she would like to tell a story about Felix. She gladly agreed.
In her story, Mia spoke about a rabbit who was afraid to leave his burrow and interact with other animals. Through this tale, we were able to discuss her own feelings and fears.
Gradually, Mia began opening up to other children, participating in group games, and even invited a classmate to her home. Mia's mother was very grateful and noted that her daughter had become much happier.
Benjamin: Sensory Integration Through Touch
Five-year-old Benjamin had autism spectrum disorder. He avoided physical contact and was highly sensitive to sensory stimuli.
I gave him a soft comfort blanket from Doudou et Compagnie, which we named Nils. Initially, Benjamin was cautious, but he gradually began to touch and stroke the blanket. Nils became a kind of bridge for him to the outside world.
After a few months, Benjamin became more open, allowed his parents to hug him, and started interacting more actively with his environment. This was a significant breakthrough for the entire family.
Why Doudou et Compagnie?
These stories only reinforced my belief that Doudou et Compagnie creates not just toys but real friends for children. Their quality, design, and attention to detail make them special.
Each toy is made with love, using hypoallergenic materials. They are safe for children of all ages and can withstand even the most active play.
Recommendations for Parents
- Let your child choose the toy themselves:
This is important for establishing an emotional connection.
- Create shared rituals:
Reading stories, playing before bedtime, or drawing together.
- Support your child's initiative:
If they want to tell a story or invent a game with the toy, encourage it.
Where to Buy Doudou et Compagnie Toys
My experience shows that soft toys from Doudou et Compagnie can become a powerful tool in the development and psychological support of children. They help overcome fears, develop social skills, and express emotions.
I invite you to discover this amazing world with your children. Remember, the most important things we can provide our children are love, understanding, and support.If you want to gift your child such a special friend, Doudou et Compagnie toys are available at the AlpsDiscovery online store. Here, you will find a wide range of these wonderful toys with regional delivery.
Visit the AlpsDiscovery website and choose a toy that will become your child's best friend.