Treatments for Children
Therapeutic Offerings and Services
Children experience a wide range of emotions and physiological responses that can be challenging to understand and manage. Julia utilizes Child Centered Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy to support children in deepening their understanding of the nervous system. This allows children to connect to self, understand their emotions, and move towards regulation. Julia is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and is the process of completing her Registered Play Therapist Certification. At Waves of Healing we believe that through play, children can gain valuable insights into their emotional functioning and develop skills for coping with life’s challenges.
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Our practice utilizes Synergetic Play Therapy to provide a supportive and educational experience for children, focusing on the following key areas:
Understanding the Nervous System: We introduce children to the concept of their nervous system in a way that is accessible and relatable. Through creative play and activities, children learn about how their body responds to stress and emotions, helping them to recognize the signs of their nervous system at work.
Emotional Awareness: Play therapy allows children to explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. We use a variety of play-based techniques to help children identify and articulate their feelings, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotional experiences.
Coping Skills: We teach children practical tools and techniques for managing their emotions and regulating their nervous system. These skills include mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and strategies for self-soothing.
Empowerment through Play: Play is a powerful tool for learning and growth. We use play therapy to create a fun and dynamic space where children can experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving, building confidence and resilience as they gain a better understanding of themselves.
Regulation Techniques: We offer practical strategies to help regulate your nervous system, including techniques for calming the body's stress responses and promoting relaxation. These tools are designed to be integrated into your daily life to support ongoing self-care and balance.
Resources:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is grounded in the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Negative or distorted thinking can often lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Our mission is to help you identify and change these unhelpful thought patterns, enabling you to see yourself and the world in a more balanced and constructive way. We utilize evidence-based CBT techniques to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier perspectives, and adopt constructive behaviors. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and evidence based thinking are used to address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
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Trauma can profoundly affect how we experience and interact with the world. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and prioritizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration. We understand that navigating complex events and experiences requires sensitivity and understanding, and we are dedicated to helping you process and integrate these experiences in a way that fosters healing and growth.
Tenants of Trauma Informed Therapy:
Safety and Trust: We prioritize creating a safe and trusting environment where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences. Our therapeutic relationship is built on respect and sensitivity to your unique needs and boundaries.
Empowerment and Choice: We emphasize your autonomy and agency in the therapeutic process. You are encouraged to make choices about your treatment and to actively participate in setting goals and determining the pace of your therapy.
Understanding Trauma: We provide a compassionate framework for understanding how trauma affects your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Our approach helps you make sense of complex experiences and their impact on your well-being.
Resilience and Healing: We focus on developing practical tools and strategies to support your healing journey. This includes building coping skills, fostering self-compassion, and identifying strengths that can aid in your recovery.
Integration and Growth: Our goal is to help you integrate your experiences and move towards a place of growth and resilience. We work collaboratively to help you navigate the challenges of trauma while building a sense of empowerment and hope.
IEP & 504 Consultations
Navigating the complexities of educational accommodations can be challenging for both children and their families. Our approach focuses on ensuring that each child’s educational experience is supportive and inclusive, promoting their academic success and overall well-being. We are committed to providing comprehensive support for children through consulting services for Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 accommodations. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the tailored support they need to thrive in their educational environment while maintaining continuity of care across all aspects of their development.
Our consulting services are designed to provide a holistic approach to supporting children in their educational settings. See how we can assist:
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We help families and educators develop and refine Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans to ensure they accurately reflect the child’s needs and strengths. Our goal is to create comprehensive and actionable plans that facilitate the child’s success in school.
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We work closely with teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to advocate for and implement necessary accommodations and supports. By fostering collaboration, we ensure that everyone involved in the child’s education is aligned and working towards common goals.
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We provide guidance and advocacy for families navigating the IEP and 504 processes. This includes helping to gather and present relevant information, and addressing any concerns or challenges that arise.
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We focus on maintaining continuity of care by coordinating with the child’s support systems outside of the therapy room. This integrated approach ensures that the child’s educational and therapeutic needs are aligned and consistently addressed.
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We assist with monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of IEP and 504 accommodations, making adjustments as needed to better support the child’s evolving needs and goals.