Last week a reporter asked me:

�Snoezelen as a philosophy, that sounds like more than an activity alone. What is there so interesting, beautiful or special about Snoezelen that you call it a philosophy?�

What is that philosophy?

After I answered this question the matter was crossing my mind for days. As a matter of fact it still does. Is the Snoezelroom at itself the philosophy? Is the touchingwall, the bubbleunit, the soundfloor or the newest waterbed the philosophy?

People talk about it as a philosophy

In Holland and abroad I met so many wonderful people who, when they talk about Snoezelen, really experience and feel it as an philosophy. The passion they express is overwhelming, inspiring and contagious at the same time. On the other hand I also meet people, when they talk about their philosophy of Snoezelen, they express a total different thought and purpose.

The true Snoezelar

Despite the client groups they work with, in a conversation you recognize the true Snoezelars immediately. When they pronounce the word Snoezelen they get a twinkle in their eyes. There appears a particular smile on their faces. Words are not necessary in this case. There is no barrier of language. There is understanding.

But, what do we understand? Because, when we are in a conversation with people who are not speaking that language both sides become rather frustrated. So, how do you explain?

How do you explain Snoezelen?

To explain Snoezelen to a beginner is a hell of a job. Especially when you want to tell them the intention and the possible effects of Snoezelen.

From my point of view, this is the most difficult part about Snoezelen. For many year dozens of people try to their utmost to inform, train and coach new employees about Snoezelen. From daily practise we learned that to teach them the true message of Snoezelen is a hard thing to do.

Maybe when you have been for days into the Snoezelenroom you�ll know what I mean. If, in that time you have experienced fear, sadness, happiness, aggression, restlessness, impatience and your own disabilities and handicaps you�ll know where I am talking about.

Snoezelen is a work of man

In daily practise there seems to be no protocol you can take of the shelf. A standard Snoezelroom does not excists. There is also no standard procedure or treatment which garantees success. So, Snoezelen is a work of man!