When I work with children, my first goal is to set them at ease. This usually entails playing with them at their developmental level, and might include a dollhouse, baby dolls, games, art, the sand tray or other developmentally appropriate toys. I am not a play therapist. I use play as a tool to connect and strengthen my therapeutic bond with a child. I have worked with individual children, siblings and families in sessions. I feel it is critical to include family members or at the least parents as part of treatment. Attachment is vital to a healthy parental and family relationship with children. Therefore, treatment requires at least some participation by parents and/or family members.
I have worked with children who have suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment. I have treated teens who have been sexually or physically assaulted. I have worked with LGBTQ+ teens as well. Many of the youth I have treated are in the foster care system or were adopted. These clients have typically learned that adults cannot be trusted and, in many cases, are dangerous. As a result, it may take many sessions to connect with these youth. Although it might appear that little is happening in these sessions, trust and safety is a vital part of therapy work and must be established before any change can occur. In fact, studies have shown that the relationship between therapist and client has more influence on the success of treatment than any specific model or mode of therapy.
I do not take a standard approach in my treatment. I believe all of my clients deserve therapy that is designed specifically to meet their individual needs. In my customized approach, however, I do incorporate specific theories and models into my sessions and treatment.
The basis of my treatment with children and families is attachment and trauma theory. In the course of treatment I may engage in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessiong, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Eco-systemic Structural Family Therapy, other modalities, or some combination. I only use evidence-based treatment models in my practice and I only incorporate those models in which I have received training. Consequently, most of my practice with children and families is concentrated on healing trauma.