1: Get to know each other
At the start of therapy, you and your child will give me a crash course in who you are, what matters to you, what you’ve been through, what’s working, and what’s not. I’ll take furious notes, and I’ll do my best to balance my many, many questions with moments of connection and joy. My goal is that you walk out of my office on day one with some of the weight lifted off your shoulders.
2: Make a plan
As we develop a treatment plan, I’ll help you understand the different approaches we can take based on the scientific evidence available to us and my clinical experience. We will then adapt the model we select to meet your child’s unique needs and goals. I will be transparent about the theories I’m using because change is faster and more durable when we all understand the why behind what we’re doing. Here is more information about the therapy models I use most often with clients.
3: Work and play
Trauma therapy is hard work, and the connection between me, you, and your child is the magic ingredient that makes it all possible. As we spend time together, I will get better at reading your child’s cues and steering sessions so they can access the courage and vulnerability needed to get the work done. For many kids, the best way to do this is to tap into their interests and natural playfulness. Our sessions could include art projects, slime-making, dancing, drumming, puppets, sandtray creations, and lots of Uno. For families interested in outdoor therapy, sessions can include adventures in the woods or gymnastics on the playground. Kids will have access to sensory tools like a weighted stuffie and a wobble board. For clients who prefer a less active approach, my office has lots of comfy seating, and I am patient as they set the pace.
4: Collaborate
While you and your kid are the core team for therapy, it is likely that other professionals or family members also have an important role to play in your child’s healing. With your knowledge and permission, I connect with them to hear important information firsthand, share my recommendations, and otherwise collaborate to ensure your child receives holistic support. Because I believe so strongly in collaborative care; I include three hours of care coordination every quarter at no additional cost to families.
5: Celebrate
When it comes time to end therapy, we will celebrate! You and your child will have put in a lot of work, and we will take a moment to look back at where you came from, enjoy where you are, and get excited about where you’re going next. Each family’s journey and destination will be different, but for every child, the most intense phase of treatment will end after certain goals are met.
If this sounds like the approach your child needs, please reach out to share more about what you’re looking for.